Dance 3 - Lesson 5

In Year 4's Dance 3, Lesson 5, students are set to culminate their learning by creating a group dance in the energising style of rock 'n' roll. The learning objectives for this session are for pupils to work effectively in a group, remember and execute a sequence of movements, and perform in unison, all while keeping in time with the music. To achieve these goals, they will utilise key vocabulary such as 'sequence', 'timing', 'beats', 'pace', and 'transition'. The lesson is designed to be interactive and collaborative, with rock 'n' roll music selected by the teacher serving as both inspiration and rhythmical guide. The warm-up segment of the lesson has pupils standing in circles of five, taking turns to lead the group in warming up different parts of the body, followed by movement around the room to copy clapped rhythms, promoting creativity and coordination.

The main portion of the lesson, lasting 30 minutes, is dedicated to rehearsal and organisation of the group dance, incorporating routines learned throughout the unit. Pupils practice in pairs, focusing on solo sections, duets, and the hand jive sequence, adding their unique movements and finishing positions. The teacher plays an integral role, ensuring the music is used during rehearsals for timing familiarity and arranging pupils in positions that facilitate smooth transitions between dance sections. After several practices to refine the routine and make necessary adjustments, the lesson concludes with a discussion about performance elements, building confidence for the final showcase in the next lesson. The cool-down phase brings a calming close to the energetic session, with pupils guided through breathing exercises, gentle swaying, and a full-body stretch, fostering relaxation and body awareness after the lively dance activities.