Dance 2 - Lesson 2

In the second lesson of the Year 1 Dance 2 series, the young learners are set to embark on a creative journey through the narrative of Spring. The lesson's objectives are clear: to create a simple dance phrase that encapsulates the essence of the season. To achieve success, pupils are encouraged to explore and experiment with movement ideas, coordinate a sequence of actions, and respond to music with imagination. They will also practice giving and receiving feedback on their performances, using basic dance terminology with teacher guidance. The key vocabulary for this lesson includes terms such as 'phrase', 'seasons', and various weather conditions, which will help them articulate their dance concepts.

The lesson is structured to begin with a warm-up where children engage in activities like 'Traffic Lights', moving to commands and demonstrating various travel steps. This is followed by the main session, where the class delves into the theme of seasons, particularly focusing on Spring. They listen to Vivaldi's 'Spring' from 'The Four Seasons' and discuss the emotions and images the music evokes. The pupils then translate these discussions into movement, working in pairs to create dance phrases that reflect the vibrancy and growth of Spring. The lesson concludes with a cool-down period involving stretching and breathing exercises, preparing the children to transition back to their regular class routine. This holistic approach to dance education not only fosters physical expression but also cultivates listening skills, teamwork, and creative thinking.