Dance - Lesson 2

In Year 6 Dance Lesson 2, students are encouraged to delve into the world of street art through dance, using a spray can as their inspiration for movement. The lesson's learning objectives are centered on the ability to perform and create dance phrases that encapsulate the essence of street art. Students are expected to explore and repeat a range of coordinated actions, combine several movement phrases, and follow a choreographed dance phrase. They will also learn to self-assess and provide feedback using specific dance vocabulary. Key terms introduced in this lesson include 'phrase', 'gesture', 'retrograde', 'instrumentation', and 'pathway'. For the practical activities, the only equipment required is gymnastic mats for the cool-down session and music to accompany the dance.

The lesson begins with a warm-up where students explore different ways of moving, such as walking, marching, and skipping, using various pathways around the dance zone. The teacher introduces the concept of 'beans' as a playful way to guide movements, with actions like 'Jumping Bean' and 'Chilli Bean' adding fun to the warm-up. The main part of the lesson involves students learning about the significance of a 'tag' in street art and how spray cans are used to create art. They are then tasked with creating dance phrases that mimic the act of tagging with a spray can. Partners work together to craft movements that represent their initials, encouraging creativity and coordination. The lesson concludes with pairs performing their choreographed phrases and providing peer feedback. A cool-down session with stretching and breathing exercises helps students to relax and reflect on their performance before returning to class.