The following core task could provide a focus for pupils' activities in this unit.
Create and perform step and action patterns and short dances from a range of dance crazes,
eg:
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Saturday night (1990s)
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Saturday night fever, disco (1970s)
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locomotion, mashed potato, twist (1960s)
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rock 'n' roll (1950s)
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jitterbug, swing (1940s)
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lindy hop (1920s)
Choose two or three of these styles and create a longer dance. Join with a partner or small group to develop and perform the dance.
Adaptations and variations on the task
To make the task easier:
- use ideas pupils are familiar with
- make the dance phrases shorter and keep actions simple
- use simple accompaniment
- ask pupils to work on their own
- use small spaces and similar heights and directions
To make the task harder:
- use more abstract stimuli
- make the dance phrases longer and actions more complicated
- use more complex rhythms, including changes of speed
- work in small groups
- use larger spaces and different heights and directions
Alternatively, a dance style could be taught as part of a wider dance idea, such as the Blitz:
- the Blitz -
eg running, diving, hiding, rolling, crashing, partner and group work (lifting, supporting, dragging, helping, carrying)
- the war effort - work actions,
eg factories, sewing and knitting, cooking, farming, Home Guard ('Dad's army')
- GI glamour -
eg chewing gum, cigarettes, food, stockings, jitterbug/swing
Other dance ideas could include teenybop.
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