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Lesson 3 - Poetry Dance & Mirror Levels

Victorian Dance Narratives

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Year 8

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Dance

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Big Question

How can Victorian poetry inspire movement that tells a story through our bodies?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate creativity when interpreting poetry through dance movement
To master mirror image technique with precise synchronisation
To choreograph a 16-32 count sequence incorporating level changes and directional movement

Key Outcomes

Students will create original dance movements inspired by Victorian poetry
Students will perform accurate mirror image work with a partner
Students will choreograph and perform a complete pairs dance sequence

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Position for clear sound coverage across dance space

Alternative: Laptop with speakers, tablet with portable speaker

Victorian-Themed Music

2 tracks minimum

Cue tracks ready for immediate play

Alternative: Classical music, steampunk-style music, period drama soundtracks

Poems

1 per student

Check all students have poems before lesson starts

Alternative: Teacher-provided Victorian poems if homework forgotten

Sun Markers

1 set

Positioned where all students can see clearly

Alternative: Flipchart paper, tablet for demonstrations

Key Vocabulary

Mirror Image

Copying movements exactly as if looking in a mirror, with opposite sides reflecting

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging dance movements into a sequence

Stimulus

Something that inspires or triggers creative movement ideas

Level Changes

Moving between high, medium and low positions in dance

Synchronisation

Moving 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 travelling steps
Understanding of levels in dance (high, medium, low)
Experience working in pairs

Current Skills

Mirror image technique and synchronisation
Creative interpretation of literary stimulus
Choreographic composition skills

Next Steps

Group choreography and formation work
Performance skills and stage presence
Advanced partnering techniques

Milestone Indicators

Maintains eye contact during mirror work

Demonstrates clear level changes

Shows creative interpretation of poetry

Key Teaching Points

Mirror image requires opposite sides - emphasise this constantly during technique work
Creative interpretation should be clear and bold - encourage risk-taking in movement choices
Level changes must be controlled and safe - technique before creativity
Poetry connection should be evident - help students articulate their creative choices
Partner synchronisation is essential - use counting and verbal cues to support timing
Performance energy should match Victorian drama - encourage theatrical commitment
Feedback should be specific and constructive - model this consistently throughout

Common Misconceptions

Mirror work means exact copying - explain the opposite sides concept clearly
Creative interpretation has no rules - establish that movements must connect logically to poetry
Level changes are just high and low - teach the full range including travelling levels
Faster music means faster movement - teach independent timing and phrasing
Performance is just showing off - explain the artistic communication aspect
Dance is only for certain types of students - emphasise universal creative potential
Choreography happens naturally - teach the craft of conscious creative choices

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, regular movement breaks, clear visual boundaries for creative work

dyspraxia

Simplified mirror sequences, extra rehearsal time, breakdown of complex movements into stages

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet reflection zones available

visual impairment

Use tactile cues for mirror work, verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of rhythm and timing, use of vibration to feel music, written choreographic notes

physical disability

Adapted mirror work from seated position, upper body focus for movement creation, modified level changes

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Poetry analysis, creative interpretation, Victorian literature themes and language

Art

Visual composition principles applied to spatial choreography and formation work

History

Victorian era social contexts, cultural understanding through period-appropriate music

Music

Understanding rhythm, phrasing and musical structure through choreographic timing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during partner work to observe all pairs, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate mirror timing, safe level changes, creative interpretation development

Intervention Points

Step in if mirror work lacks accuracy, provide creative prompts if students struggle with interpretation

Demonstration Notes

Use confident student pairs for demonstrations, exaggerate movements for clarity, connect all examples to Victorian theme

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on your partner for perfect timing!'
•'Make those level changes slow and controlled!'
•'Let the poetry paint pictures in your movement!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or studio space minimum 15m x 15m for safe partner work and travelling

Surface Check

Non-slip dance surface, dry and clean, suitable for barefoot or dance shoe work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music system at appropriate volume to prevent hearing damage
•Secure positioning of audio equipment to prevent tripping
•Check for any protruding equipment or furniture

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between pairs during travelling sequences
•Falls during level changes and floor work
•Overexertion during creative work

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing guidelines for pair work
•Progressive introduction of level changes with technique focus
•Regular hydration breaks during intensive creative periods
•Supervision of floor work and partner interactions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all working pairs
•Monitor partner interactions for safety and inclusion
•Watch for signs of fatigue during creative work

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required