WW2 Dance Storytelling
•Year 8
•Dance
•Position for clear sound throughout dance space
Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, laptop with speakers
Test volume levels before lesson, have backup music ready
Alternative: Any 1940s big band music, film soundtracks
Positioned where all students can see for mind mapping
Alternative: Flipchart paper, interactive whiteboard
Clear numbering system for corners (A, B, C, D)
Alternative: iPad with quiz app, printed question cards
Clearly visible from centre of room
Alternative: Coloured cones, floor tape markers
A short movement sequence that can be repeated and developed throughout a dance
Performing movements at exactly the same time as others
The art of creating and arranging dance movements and sequences
The beat or rhythm in music that dancers use to time their movements
A wartime attack by aircraft on a ground target
The sustained bombing of Britain by Nazi Germany during WWII
A military walking style with regular rhythm and coordinated movement
A formal military greeting showing respect
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Vocabulary development through movement interpretation, creative writing through poetry homework, oral communication during feedback
Counting beats and sequences, understanding timing patterns, spatial awareness through formations and pathways
World War II events, dates, key figures, impact on civilian populations, military strategies and their consequences
Understanding rhythm and timing, musical phrasing, 1940s musical styles and their historical context
Empathy for historical experiences, teamwork and collaboration, resilience and perseverance, respectful discussion of sensitive topics
Move around space to observe all students, position at front during demonstrations, in centre during group discussions
Watch for: timing accuracy, unison performance, safe movement choices, respectful engagement with historical content, positive collaboration
["Step in immediately if movement becomes unsafe", "Intervene if historical content is being treated inappropriately", "Support pairs who are struggling with creative task", "Redirect if students losing focus during performance sections"]
Always demonstrate with full commitment and appropriate expression, exaggerate key elements for clarity, show both correct technique and common mistakes, model respectful approach to historical content
Minimum 8m x 12m clear space, suitable for group movement and formations
Dry, even surface suitable for floor work including kneeling, no obstacles or hazards
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have clear evacuation route
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