Dance 1 - Unit Overview

The Year 1 Dance 1 unit is an engaging introduction to dance for young pupils, centred around the vibrant theme of colours. This unit provides a creative platform for children to select and execute a variety of movements, culminating in the composition of short dance phrases. As they progress, the children will work collaboratively to build a group dance phrase. This initial dance unit does not require any prior experience in dance but leverages the coordination and creativity skills the pupils have developed through other physical activities and games. The unit aims to foster a foundation in basic choreography, enhance body awareness, and nurture the children's ability to create and perform dance sequences.

Each lesson within the unit is meticulously planned with clear learning objectives and success criteria. For instance, one lesson might focus on creating a dance phrase inspired by the colour yellow, where success is measured by the pupils' ability to imaginatively respond to stimuli and coordinate their movements effectively. Safety is prioritised, with recommendations for the use of gymnastics mats and the removal of shoes and socks to prevent accidents. Teachers are advised to employ clear signals to manage the class and are encouraged to mix genders and abilities when forming dance partnerships or groups. The unit also suggests incorporating literature, such as picture books about colours, to inspire the children before they learn dance techniques, thereby enriching their understanding of the emotional connections to different hues and fostering their creative expression through movement.