Lesson 3 - Mirror Image & Directions
British Values Dance
•Year 8
•Dance
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How can we use our bodies to reflect British values whilst creating visually striking mirror choreography?
Learning Objectives
- To develop creative movement responses to British Values stimuli
- To demonstrate effective teamwork through collaborative choreography
- To incorporate mirror image, level changes, and directional changes in dance sequences
Key Outcomes
- Students will create a 16-32 count pairs dance sequence incorporating mirror image work
- Students will demonstrate understanding of British Values through movement interpretation
- Students will provide constructive feedback to peers on choreographic choices
Equipment & Resources Required
Position centrally for clear audio throughout space
Alternative: Portable speaker connected to tablet/phone
Cued ready for warm-up activities
Alternative: Any dramatic instrumental music with clear beat
Prepared for main performance section
Alternative: Alternative cinematic theme music with strong rhythm
Distributed face-down initially, revealed when pairs formed
Alternative: Printed images showing democracy, rule of law, liberty, respect, tolerance
Mark safe movement boundaries around perimeter
Alternative: Tape lines or natural boundaries
Key Vocabulary
When partners perform identical movements simultaneously, as if one is the reflection of the other
Source material that inspires creative movement responses
Dance sequences created and performed by two dancers working together
Moving between high, medium, and low positions in space
Altering the pathway or facing during movement sequences
Two-way exchange of constructive comments between performers and audience
Using personal artistic vision to translate ideas into movement
Performing movements at exactly the same time as your partner
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dance movements and spatial awareness from previous lessons
- Understanding of pathways, levels, and directions in movement
- Initial exploration of individual motif work from week 1
- Individual travelling sequences from week 2
Current Skills
- Mirror image technique and synchronisation
- Collaborative choreography creation
- Interpretation of visual stimuli through movement
- Integration of technical requirements into creative work
Next Steps
- Development of group choreography with multiple dancers
- Advanced partnering techniques and contact work
- Performance skills and stage presence
- Choreographic composition and structure
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Mirror image means opposite sides - demonstrate clearly with your own body
- Creative interpretation is more valuable than literal copying of stimulus
- Collaborative choreography requires compromise and shared decision-making
- Technical requirements enhance rather than restrict creative expression
- British Values can be expressed through abstract movement qualities
- Performance confidence grows through supportive rehearsal and feedback
- Integration of multiple weeks' learning demonstrates progression and retention
Common Misconceptions
- Mirror work means copying exactly (correction: it means opposite sides)
- Creative dance has no structure or rules (correction: framework supports creativity)
- British Values are only political concepts (correction: they're about how we treat each other)
- Pairs must move identically throughout (correction: variety and contrast can be effective)
- Feedback should focus on mistakes (correction: celebrate successes and suggest improvements)
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks built into structure, clear role definitions, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified counting systems, extra rehearsal time, movement broken into smaller components
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual schedule, predictable partner pairings, quiet reflection spaces available
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of British Values pictures, tactile exploration of movements, audio cues for timing
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of rhythm and counting, written British Values descriptions, vibration cues for music
physical disability
- Adapted movements for wheelchair users, seated variations of choreography, modified partner positions
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing vocabulary related to values, democracy, and creative expression
Art
Creative interpretation of abstract concepts through physical expression and visual stimulus
Citizenship
Exploring fundamental British Values through creative expression and democratic participation
History
Understanding democratic traditions and their development in British society
Music
Understanding rhythm, phrasing, and musical structure in choreographic creation
PSHE
Building collaborative skills, mutual respect, and understanding of diverse perspectives
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate actively during partner work, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for creative interpretation, collaborative skills, technical accuracy
Intervention Points
Support pairs struggling with communication, guide those needing technical help
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations when possible
Verbal Cues
- •'Mirror means opposite - if they go left, you go right!'
- •'Count together to stay synchronized!'
- •'Show me your British Value through your movement!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 10m x 15m clear space, suitable for 30 students in pairs
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, appropriate for dynamic movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Music equipment positioned safely out of movement area
- •Picture cards secured when not in use
- •No loose items on floor during movement
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during travelling sections
- •Falls during level changes
- •Overexertion during dynamic sequences
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for movement area
- •Adequate spacing between pairs maintained
- •Progressive build-up of intensity
- •Controlled level changes with proper technique
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all pairs during partner work
- •Monitor high-energy sections for signs of fatigue
- •Watch for safe execution of level changes
Emergency Procedures
Stop music immediately if needed, clear assessment protocols, first aid available