Decades of Dance
•Year 8
•Dance
•Position centrally for clear sound throughout space, test volume levels before lesson
Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, laptop with speakers, portable stereo
Have playlist ready to play, know track start points for different activities
Alternative: 1950s rock and roll compilation, individual tracks from Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard
Place one set in each corner of the room - 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s clearly labelled
Alternative: Printed images from internet, tablet/laptop displays, handwritten era labels
Mark the four corners clearly for the warm-up activity
Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, tape on floor
The height at which movements are performed - high (jumping, arms up), medium (standing), low (crouching, floor work)
The pathway or orientation of movement - forwards, backwards, sideways, diagonal
The route taken through space when moving - straight lines, curves, zigzags, circles
When partners perform the same movements but as if looking in a mirror - right hand matches left hand
A series of hand and arm movements performed in sequence, popular in 1950s rock and roll dancing
A energetic style of dance that emerged in the 1950s, characterised by quick movements, spins and partner work
Choreography designed for two dancers working together, often including mirror work, copying or contrasting movements
A choreographed section lasting exactly 32 beats of music, typically broken into 4 sections of 8 counts each
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Vocabulary development, descriptive language for movement, communication skills during feedback, historical narrative understanding
Visual representation of era characteristics, costume and styling of different decades, cultural aesthetics
Performance skills, audience awareness, character interpretation through era styling, confidence building
1940s/50s social changes, post-war culture, youth rebellion, music evolution, cultural expression through dance
Rock and roll rhythm and tempo, musical interpretation through movement, beat counting and phrase structure
Cooperation and teamwork, confidence building, respect for others' performances, constructive feedback skills, cultural appreciation
Central position during demonstrations with clear visibility to all students, circulate during partner work to provide individual support
Watch for authentic era styling, effective partner cooperation, creative use of levels and directions, safe movement execution
Step in if students struggling with coordination, address unsafe movement patterns immediately, support partnerships that need communication help
Exaggerate movements for visibility, emphasise historical styling and attitude, demonstrate mirror work clearly with student volunteer, show level and direction changes obviously
Minimum 15m x 20m hall space, clear of obstacles, with adequate height for jumping movements
Clean, dry, non-slip floor surface checked for hazards before lesson begins
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required
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