Decades of Dance
•Year 8
•Dance
•Position centrally for even sound distribution across dance space
Alternative: Bluetooth speaker or large tablet/laptop with external speaker
Cued ready for corners warm-up activity
Alternative: Any upbeat contemporary song suitable for movement
Cued ready for Charleston motif practice
Alternative: Any 1920s-30s style jazz or swing music
Place one poster in each corner of the room at eye level
Alternative: Printed images or digital displays showing different dance decades
Positioned where all students can see for mind mapping activity
Alternative: Flipchart paper and markers, or digital board
Available at edges of space for cool-down stretches
Alternative: Towels or designated floor space for stretching
A short sequence of dance movements that can be repeated and developed throughout a performance
When all dancers perform the same movements at exactly the same time
A popular dance from the 1920s characterised by swinging arms, kicking legs and syncopated rhythm
The numerical beats in music used to help dancers stay in time (usually counted in groups of 8)
A particular period in history distinguished by its characteristics and culture
A rhythmic technique where emphasis is placed on off-beats rather than strong beats
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Vocabulary development, descriptive language for movement, performance confidence and expression
Counting beats and phrases, pattern recognition in choreography, timing and mathematical sequences
1920s fashion and visual style, Art Deco movement, poster design and advertising from the era
Performance skills, character development, historical interpretation through movement
1920s social changes, women's rights movement, post-World War 1 cultural shifts, prohibition era in America
Jazz music development, syncopation and rhythm, musical structure and phrasing, 1920s musical instruments and style
Confidence building, teamwork and cooperation, cultural appreciation and respect for different eras
Move around the room perimeter during activities to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations and instruction
Watch for timing accuracy, Charleston technique development, group dynamics and individual confidence levels
Step in if students struggling with coordination, if safety concerns arise, or if group dynamics need support
Demonstrate all movements with exaggerated clarity, use whole body to show timing and rhythm, maintain enthusiastic energy throughout, break complex movements into manageable steps
Minimum 15m x 10m clear floor space, suitable for dynamic movement and group formations
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles. Check for any spillages or hazards
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if necessary
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