Dance - Lesson 2

In the second lesson of a Year 5 dance series, students are introduced to the dynamic world of Haka, a traditional Maori dance. The learning objective is to perform a choreographed dance phrase using a simple range of Haka movements and patterns. Success is measured by the pupils' ability to explore, repeat, and link movements with coordination, follow the choreography, and incorporate the characteristics of a Haka. Key vocabulary for the session includes terms like 'phrase', 'gesture', 'unison', 'canon', and 'repetition'. To facilitate the lesson, 15 gymnastic mats are required for the activities, ensuring safety and comfort during the dance practice.

The lesson begins with a playful warm-up where students perform various actions corresponding to different 'beans' named by the teacher, such as 'Jumping Bean' or 'Jelly Bean'. Following this, the main part of the session is dedicated to learning and creating dance phrases inspired by the Haka. The teacher demonstrates key movements, such as giving a fierce facial expression or making strong arm movements, which the students mirror. They then practice the choreography, starting with a firm stance and progressing through a sequence of powerful gestures and steps. The lesson concludes with a performance where the class is divided into two groups, each performing the Haka for the other, and a cool-down session that includes a repeat of the 'Beans' activity and stretching exercises to relax the muscles and calm the mind.