Dance 3 - Lesson 1

In the first lesson of Dance 3 for Year 3 students, the objective is to choreograph a solo dance using the concept of a kite as inspiration for movement. The success of the lesson is measured by the students' ability to incorporate turns and levels into their dance sequence, as well as their confidence in creating a solo piece. The lesson introduces key vocabulary such as level, pace, direction, turns, and extension, and requires music that represents different weather conditions to set the scene. The warm-up segment involves a series of body movements to prepare the students, with the option for a pupil to lead, promoting leadership skills. Students are encouraged to find their own space and follow the teacher's instructions to warm up each part of the body, from marching on the spot to rotating ankles and feet.

The main part of the lesson is a 30-minute session where students explore the sensation of flying a kite through improvisational movements. They begin by discussing their experiences or watching a video of kite flying to understand the motions involved. Students then create a sequence of movements that mimic the kite's influence, focusing on travelling from one side to the other and incorporating turns. The teacher guides them to consider using different levels and paces within their dance to reflect the kite's movement. Finally, students pair up to perform and provide feedback on each other's choreographies. The lesson concludes with a 10-minute cool down where students lie down, listen to weather-themed music, and visualise a story of flying a kite through changing weather conditions, from the excitement of a gusty day to the calm of a sunny sky, before they are gently brought back to reality and prepared to leave the hall.