| Unit 1
A Linha Curva | This unit introduces students to the professional dance work 'A Linha Curva' by Itzik Galili. The focus is on Brazilian carnival culture, high-energy movement, and ensemble performance. Students also explore Capoeira, Samba and Contemporary dance styles, whilst learning key motifs from A Linha Curva and incorporating these into their own dance. Throughout the unit, students will develop their ability to appreciate professional dance works critically. Key knowledge developed: - Background and choreographic intent of 'A Linha Curva'
- Stylistic features of samba and capoeira
- Use of formations, patterns, and timing in group work
- How production features help communicate a choreographic intent (costume, lighting, and aural setting)
Key skills developed: - Performing high-energy sequences in unison and canon
- Understanding and using contrast and rhythm
- Working as a large ensemble
- Developing precision and spatial awareness
Assessment information: - Performance of a group piece inspired by 'A Linha Curva'
- Formative assessment is given in each lesson and performances are assessed summatively at the end of the unit
- Assessed on unison, energy, musicality, and spatial design
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| Unit 2 Swansong by Christopher Bruce | Students explore the professional dance work 'Swansong' by Christopher Bruce, examining themes of human rights and oppression through a blend of contemporary dance and theatre. They learn how to use props and contact work to demonstrate power of character. Key knowledge developed: - Thematic content: interrogation, justice, and freedom
- Dance-theatre techniques and narrative
- Gestural motifs and their meanings
- Safe practice of contact work (lifts and counter balances)
- Roles of lighting, costume, and set
Key skills developed: - Expressing character and emotion through movement
- Learning and adapting choreographed phrases
- Use of props
- How to incorporate lifts and counter balances into choreography safely
- Creating narrative through abstract and literal gestures
- Performing with intention and nuance
Assessment information: - Duet or trio exploring a power dynamic
- Students will be assessed formatively each lesson and performances are assessed summatively at the end of the unit
- Assessed on narrative clarity, expressive performance, and use of motif
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| Unit 3 Parkour | This creative unit explores how the urban sport of parkour can influence dance. Students use weight, flow, and interaction with space and obstacles to create dynamic movement sequences. Key knowledge developed: - History of parkour and freerunning
- Safe practice and use of momentum in movement
- Spatial awareness and pathways in choreography
- Creative use of physical space in dance
Key skills developed: - Traveling, jumping, vaulting, and flowing through movement
- Improvisation and response to physical environments
- Partner and group lifts or transitions
- Building transitions into choreography
Assessment information: - Choreographed group parkour-inspired dance piece
- Formative assessment is given in each lesson and performances are assessed summatively at the end of the unit
- Assessed on use of space, flow, dynamics, and creativity
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| Unit 4 Infra by Wayne McGregor | This unit explores Wayne McGregor’s 'Infra' focusing on the choreographic approach of ‘show, make, task’. The professional work gives students the chance to explore complex emotional content and develop movement using choreographic tasks inspired by professional choreographer Wayne McGregor. Key knowledge developed: - Choreographic approach of Wayne McGregor
- Use of choreographic task (show, make, task)
- Understanding various methods of motif development
- Trisha Brown ‘Locus Cube’ task
Key skills developed: - Performing with technical and expressive control
- Creating a dance piece that reflects emotion
- Responding to visuals and music in dance
- Using levels and repetition for mood and structure
- Creative use Trisha Brown ‘Locus Cube’ task
Assessment information: - Performances based on a theme of emotional response
- Formative assessment is given in each lesson and performances are assessed summatively at the end of the unit
Assessed on technique, mood, control, and creativity |
| Units 5 and 6 Choreography Project | Students complete a full choreography project, applying knowledge and skills developed throughout the year to create a final group performance on a chosen theme. Key knowledge developed: - Structure and development of a choreography piece
- Use of choreographic devices (e.g. motif, climax, contrast)
- Thematic research and stimulus development
- Rehearsal planning and refinement strategies
Key skills developed: - Leadership and creative decision-making
- Collaborative planning and rehearsal
- Performing a polished and cohesive group dance
- Reflecting on performance choices and peer feedback
Assessment information: - Final group performance project on a theme of their choice
- Summatively assessed on creativity, structure, theme clarity, group collaboration, and both performance and choreographic skills
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