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Lesson 3 - Mirror Image & Interpretation

WW2 Dance Storytelling

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Year 8

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Dance

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1h 22min

Big Question

How can we use poetry as inspiration to create meaningful dance that tells the story of World War II?

Learning Objectives

To create imaginative movement sequences inspired by World War II poetry
To demonstrate effective teamwork and collaborative choreography skills
To incorporate mirror image, level changes, and directional variations in pair work

Key Outcomes

Students will create a 16-32 count dance sequence inspired by their World War II poems
Students will demonstrate accurate mirror image technique with their partner
Students will perform choreography that clearly shows changes in level and direction

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position centrally for clear audio throughout dance space

Alternative: Portable speaker with Bluetooth connectivity

World War II Music Collection

1 CD/playlist

Cue up 'American Patrol' for warm-up and 'Dam Busters' for performance

Alternative: Spotify playlist: 'WW2 Music for Dance' or YouTube playlist

Poems

1 per student

Students should have these from previous lesson homework

Alternative: Printed poem examples if students forgot homework

Yoga Mat

15 (1 per pair)

Optional for floor work and stretching

Alternative: Towels or designated floor spaces

Key Vocabulary

Mirror image

Exact copying of partner's movements as if looking in a mirror

Stimulus

The inspiration or starting point for creating choreography

Interpretation

Your personal understanding and expression of ideas through movement

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging dance movements into sequences

Dynamics

The energy and quality of movement - fast/slow, strong/gentle, flowing/sharp

Levels

The height at which movements are performed - high, medium, low

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of levels, pathways and directions from previous lessons
Experience creating individual motifs and travelling sequences
Knowledge of World War II historical context

Current Skills

Mirror image technique and synchronisation
Creative interpretation of poetry through movement
Collaborative choreography development in pairs

Next Steps

Combining individual, pair and group sections into extended sequences
Advanced choreographic devices like canon and counterpoint
Performance skills and stage presence

Milestone Indicators

Students demonstrate clear connection between poem content and movement choices

Partners achieve synchronised mirror image movements

Choreography shows deliberate use of space, levels and dynamics

Key Teaching Points

Mirror image means exact opposite movements - emphasise this constantly during partner work
Poetry interpretation should be personal and meaningful - encourage individual responses to text
Creative process is as valuable as final product - celebrate exploration and risk-taking
Technical elements (levels, directions) must be clearly visible and deliberately included
Partnership collaboration requires communication, compromise and mutual support
Performance quality comes from commitment to the story and emotions being portrayed
World War II context should inform movement choices and emotional expression

Common Misconceptions

Mirror image means copying the same side - correct this by demonstrating left/right opposition clearly
Dance must be 'pretty' or conventional - encourage authentic response to war poetry themes
Mistakes in performance are failures - reframe as part of creative learning process
Only 'good dancers' can create effective choreography - emphasise that creativity matters more than technical perfection
Poetry must be interpreted literally - show how abstract interpretation can be more powerful
Boys can't or shouldn't engage fully with dance - create inclusive environment where all students feel safe to express

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear physical boundaries for movement areas, specific roles and responsibilities in partner work, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for sequences, visual and verbal cues for coordination, celebration of effort over technical perfection

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine for each section, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent partner pairings, explicit social interaction guidance

visual impairment

Tactile guidance for mirror image positioning, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, audio cues for timing and positioning, partner support for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, written copies of poems and key instructions, vibrotactile cues for music timing, clear visual signals for activity changes

physical disability

Adapted movements suitable for wheelchair users or limited mobility, modified mirror image work focusing on achievable body parts, seated versions of travelling activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Poetry analysis and interpretation, understanding literary devices and imagery, developing vocabulary for creative and critical expression

Art

Visual composition in movement, understanding of line, shape and form in space, creative interpretation and personal expression

Drama

Performance skills, character expression through physicality, understanding audience-performer relationship, collaborative creation

History

Deep exploration of World War II historical context, understanding impact of war on individuals and communities, connecting past events to creative expression

Music

Rhythm and timing in movement, responding to musical structure and phrasing, understanding how music enhances narrative

PSHE

Collaborative skills, mutual respect and support, building confidence in performance, empathy through historical understanding

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space during activities to observe all students, position centrally during instructions and demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate mirror image technique, creative interpretation of poetry, effective partnership collaboration, and safe movement execution

Intervention Points

Step in if mirror image technique is incorrect, if partnerships are struggling with collaboration, if movements become unsafe, or if students need creative inspiration

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for mirror image examples, demonstrate connection between poetry and movement with specific examples, show performance quality with full commitment to encourage students

Verbal Cues

•'Mirror image means exact opposite - if they go right, you go left!'
•'Let the words paint pictures in your mind and move your body!'
•'Support your partner - you're creating this together!'
•'Make it bigger, clearer, more committed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 12m x 12m clear space for 30 students working in pairs, free from obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface suitable for dance movement, free from debris or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music system positioned safely away from movement area
•Volume at appropriate level to allow communication
•Poems kept secure when not in use to avoid trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between pairs during travelling activities
•Falls during level changes or complex movements
•Muscle strain from insufficient warm-up or overexertion

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each pair's working space
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Adequate warm-up before demanding movements
•Teacher circulation to monitor safety during all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pairs during partner work
•Monitor high-activity areas during travelling and level changes
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure respectful behaviour during sharing and performance

Emergency Procedures

Stop music and activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, notify relevant staff if needed