| Unit 1
Introduction to Dance | This foundational unit introduces students to the basic principles of dance. They explore key movement components (action, space, dynamics, relationships) and begin to develop confidence in performance and creativity through short movement tasks and group work. Key knowledge developed: - Understanding of dance terminology (actions, dynamics, space, relationships)
- Introduction to motif development
- Importance of performance focus and spatial awareness
- Safe practice in dance
Key skills developed: - Basic choreography (creating short phrases)
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Use of actions, space, dynamics and relationships
- Rehearsal and performance etiquette
Assessment information: - Peer and teacher assessment of short group performance based on movement variety and choreography skills
- Formative assessment on understanding key dance terms and safe practice
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| Unit 2
The Lion King | Students study African dance and storytelling through movement inspired by The Lion King. They explore how a narrative and characterisation can be conveyed through physicality and movement motifs. Key knowledge developed: - Context of African dance and its cultural significance
- Understanding of movement to convey character and story
- Use of repetition and motif development
Key skills developed: - Expressive skills (facial expression, characterisation)
- Ensemble performance
- Development of motif to represent animals and themes
- Musicality and rhythm
Assessment information: - Practical group performance based on a scene or character from The Lion King
- Formative assessment from the teacher throughout the unit, and both peer and self-assessment
- Assessed on expressive skills, creativity, character portrayal, and group dynamics
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| Unit 3
Musicals | This unit explores dance in musical theatre. Students learn to perform routines inspired by famous musicals and understand how dance contributes to a narrative and entertainment in this genre. Key knowledge developed: - Key stylistic features of musical theatre dance
- Role of dance in musicals (e.g., storytelling, spectacle, emotion)
- Understanding choreographers’ intentions in musical theatre
Key skills developed: - Synchronisation and timing
- Expressive performance skills and stage presence
- Technical movement vocabulary relevant to musical theatre (e.g., jazz walks, turns, kicks)
- Interpretation of music and lyrics
Assessment information: - Performance of a musical theatre routine in small groups and/or ensemble
- Formative assessment from the teacher throughout the unit, and both peer and self-assessment
- Assessment focuses on performance quality, timing, stylistic accuracy, and engagement
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| Unit 4
Matthew Bourne's The Nutcracker | Students are introduced to the work of choreographer Matthew Bourne and explore his reinterpretation of The Nutcracker. Students develop their understanding of dance theory, analysing how dance can be used to retell traditional stories in contemporary ways. Key knowledge developed: - Features of Matthew Bourne’s choreographic style (narrative, characterisation, humour)
- How aural setting helps to communicate the mood of a dance
- Use of gesture and exaggerated movement for storytelling
- Interpretation of themes and characters through movement
Key skills developed: - Analytical and interpretive skills
- Gesture and character development
- Responding to professional repertoire creatively
- Understanding and applying stylistic features
Assessment information: - Group performance inspired by a scene or character from The Nutcracker
- Formative assessment from the teacher throughout the unit, and both peer and self-assessment
- Written reflection or short verbal explanation of how Bourne’s style was interpreted
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| Units 5 and 6
Choreography | Over two terms, students focus on creating their own group choreography. Students explore multiple stimuli and consider the different ways of using these to choreograph movement to support a chosen choreographic intention. They apply all previously learned knowledge and skills to develop, refine, and perform an original dance based on a chosen theme or stimulus. Students will have the opportunity to reflect critically on their own work and that of their peers. Key knowledge developed: - Choreographic devices (canon, unison, contrast, climax, motif and development)
- Structuring a dance (beginning, middle, end)
- Responding to a stimulus through movement
- Choreographic process (including evaluation and refinement)
Key skills developed: - Independent and collaborative choreographic planning
- How to choreograph movement in order to realise a choreographic intention
- Application of choreographic process
- Application of choreographic devices
- Performance and peer evaluation
Assessment information: - Final choreographed group performance (summatively assessed on choreography skills, creativity, structure, use of devices, and performance skills)
- Formative assessment from the teacher throughout the unit, and both peer and self-assessment
- Verbal evaluation task reflecting on creative decisions and development
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