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Lesson 1 - Historical Movement & Motifs

WW2 Dance Storytelling

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Year 8

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Dance

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Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell powerful stories from history and connect with the experiences of people during World War II?

Learning Objectives

To develop historical understanding through movement and share knowledge of World War II events
To create imaginative actions based on historical themes and perform them with good timing
To collaboratively develop a 48-64 count motif based on World War II themes, focusing on unison performance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of World War II through creative movement
Students will perform a structured dance motif in time with music and in unison with peers
Students will show improved timing, coordination and performance quality through dance

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound throughout dance space

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, laptop with speakers

World War II Themed Music

Playlist ready

Test volume levels before lesson, have backup music ready

Alternative: Any 1940s big band music, film soundtracks

Sun Markers

1 set

Positioned where all students can see for mind mapping

Alternative: Flipchart paper, interactive whiteboard

Quiz Questions

8-10 prepared questions

Clear numbering system for corners (A, B, C, D)

Alternative: iPad with quiz app, printed question cards

Dish Cones

4 sets (A, B, C, D signs)

Clearly visible from centre of room

Alternative: Coloured cones, floor tape markers

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short movement sequence that can be repeated and developed throughout a dance

Unison

Performing movements at exactly the same time as others

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging dance movements and sequences

Count

The beat or rhythm in music that dancers use to time their movements

Air Raid

A wartime attack by aircraft on a ground target

The Blitz

The sustained bombing of Britain by Nazi Germany during WWII

March

A military walking style with regular rhythm and coordinated movement

Salute

A formal military greeting showing respect

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of timing and rhythm in movement
Experience working in pairs and small groups
Basic knowledge of historical events from Key Stage 2

Current Skills

Creating movement sequences based on themes
Performing in unison with others
Developing extended motifs with counts
Historical understanding through movement

Next Steps

Adding narrative structure to dance sequences
Incorporating props and costume elements
Developing more complex timing patterns
Creating group formations and spatial patterns

Milestone Indicators

Students can maintain timing throughout a 48-64 count sequence

Movements clearly reflect historical themes

Unison performance shows coordination and teamwork

Performance quality demonstrates confidence and expression

Key Teaching Points

Historical sensitivity: Always approach World War II content with appropriate respect and maturity
Unison performance: Success depends on students listening to and watching each other, not just following teacher
Creative confidence: Encourage risk-taking in movement creation while maintaining safety and respect
Timing precision: Use strong, clear counting and musical phrasing to develop accurate performance
Storytelling through movement: Help students understand that dance can communicate powerful ideas and emotions
Collaborative creation: Balance individual creativity with group decision-making in motif development
Performance quality: Emphasise connection to historical meaning rather than just technical accuracy

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'There's only one right way to represent each historical theme' - Correction: Encourage multiple interpretations while maintaining historical respect
Misconception: 'Louder music makes better performances' - Correction: Teach listening skills and musical sensitivity
Misconception: 'Dance is just about looking good' - Correction: Emphasise communication, storytelling and historical understanding
Misconception: 'If I make a mistake, the whole performance is ruined' - Correction: Focus on group unity and recovery rather than individual perfection
Misconception: 'Historical events are too serious for creative expression' - Correction: Show how art can honour and remember important experiences

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, focused activities with clear transitions, movement breaks built in, specific roles and responsibilities, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement sequences, extra practice time, larger movement patterns, verbal and visual cueing combined

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available, advance warning of music and volume changes

visual impairment

Use audio cues for timing, descriptive language for movements, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile marking of performance space

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instructions, vibration cues for timing, clear visual organisation of space

physical disability

Seated or modified movement versions, adaptive equipment if needed, focus on upper body expression, alternative role as choreographer or feedback provider

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through movement interpretation, creative writing through poetry homework, oral communication during feedback

Maths

Counting beats and sequences, understanding timing patterns, spatial awareness through formations and pathways

History

World War II events, dates, key figures, impact on civilian populations, military strategies and their consequences

Music

Understanding rhythm and timing, musical phrasing, 1940s musical styles and their historical context

PSHE

Empathy for historical experiences, teamwork and collaboration, resilience and perseverance, respectful discussion of sensitive topics

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, position at front during demonstrations, in centre during group discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for: timing accuracy, unison performance, safe movement choices, respectful engagement with historical content, positive collaboration

Intervention Points

["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"]

Demonstration Notes

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

Verbal Cues

•'Strong, proud posture like a soldier!'
•'Together, together - listen to each other!'
•'Remember, we're honouring real people's experiences'
•'Count it out: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8!'
•'Make it sharp and clear so everyone can follow!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 12m clear space, suitable for group movement and formations

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for floor work including kneeling, no obstacles or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music volume at appropriate level to prevent hearing damage
•Corner markers securely positioned to avoid tripping
•Whiteboard stable and markers capped to prevent mess

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during travelling movements
•Falls during level changes (kneeling/standing)
•Overexertion during sustained activity
•Inappropriate handling of sensitive historical content

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and pathways established for all movement
•Demonstrate safe techniques for level changes
•Monitor students for signs of fatigue or overheating
•Establish respectful approach to historical themes from start
•Adequate spacing between students during unison work

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during scattered formation work
•Monitor pairs during independent choreography time
•Watch for unsafe movement choices during creative exploration
•Ensure positive, respectful atmosphere during historical discussions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have clear evacuation route