Dance - Unit Overview

The Year 4 Dance 1 Unit Overview outlines a vibrant journey into the world of Bollywood dance for pupils. The unit is structured to immerse students in the expressive arm, hand, and footwork movements characteristic of this Indian dance form. As the pupils progress through the unit, they will have the opportunity to perform choreographed dance phrases both in small groups and as a collective class. This unit builds upon the pupils' prior experience with dance, where they would have been introduced to the basics of movement and the concept of linking these movements into dance phrases. The unit aims to enhance pupils' body awareness, creativity, and their skills in choreography, performance, and appreciation of dance.

Structured around a medium-term plan, the unit is composed of six lessons, each with specific learning objectives and success criteria. The first lesson focuses on traditional Indian dance arm and hand gestures, with pupils learning to coordinate and link actions while responding to music. The second lesson introduces footwork movements, followed by subsequent lessons where pupils rehearse choreographed dance phrases combining these gestures and movements. By the sixth lesson, pupils are expected to perform a complete choreographed dance phrase, demonstrating their ability to coordinate actions, create dance phrases, and provide feedback using dance vocabulary. The unit also provides teaching tips, such as adjusting timings for different lesson durations, ensuring safety with mats, and encouraging a mix of abilities and genders when forming dance partners or groups. Teachers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with Bollywood dance through images and videos before delivering the unit, which culminates in a routine based on the story of Rama and Sita.