Dance 2 - Lesson 4

In Year 3's Dance 2, Lesson 4, pupils are encouraged to select and explore a variety of movements inspired by a Circus Acrobat. The lesson aims to develop students' ability to explore and repeat a range of actions with coordination, while responding creatively to different stimuli. As part of the success criteria, pupils are expected to observe each other's work and offer feedback, using simple dance vocabulary and under the guidance of their teacher. Key terms such as 'phrase', 'pathway', 'agility', and 'coordination' are introduced, and the equipment required includes gymnastic mats, streamers or ribbons, and music. The lesson begins with a warm-up where the teacher models different travelling steps and pupils engage in activities that encourage them to use a variety of body parts and movements.

The main part of the lesson invites pupils to delve into the world of the circus, particularly focusing on the role of acrobats. They discuss the characteristics of acrobats, such as balance and agility, and then participate in activities like 'Follow The Leader', which help them understand movement coordination. Using streamers, pupils are encouraged to create patterns in the air, incorporating jumps and different pathways into their routines. The lesson progresses to improvisation, where pupils work with partners to create short dance phrases that embody the essence of an Acrobat's movements. The session concludes with performances of these phrases, with pupils providing peer feedback to refine their dances. Finally, a cool-down period involves stretching and breathing exercises, ensuring a calm transition back to class.