• 4.2.1 identifies and explores aspects of the elements of dance in response to a range of stimuli.
• 4.2.2 composes dance movement, using the elements of dance, that communicates ideas.

• 5.2.1 explores the elements of dance as the basis of the communication of ideas.
• 5.2.2 composes and structures dance movement that communicates an idea.

• Literacy
• Numeracy

Students will:

• discuss the purpose of stage space and personal space within composition
• complete the instructions on slide 4 of the PowerPoint presentation, exploring the stage space around them
• write a reflection on the success of the exercise exploring how the tempo altered throughout the activity, and how the use of personal space changed throughout.
• repeat this above activity with only half of the class, concentrating on how they manipulate the space, time and dynamics.
• discuss the effectiveness of this task in utilising stage space.

Use the Action words template (PDF 4.3 MB) for this activity. Print as many copies as per the students in your class.

Students will:

• complete slide five and six of the PowerPoint presentation, exploring how different instructional words could hold different meanings for movement. The following activities will break it down:
  • phrase one
    • students are to perform the actions in the original order, creating unique and diverse movement for each action
  • phrase two
    • students are to shuffle the cards and re-select the order of actions, performing these in the new order
    • students are to perform phrase one and two in order in small groups for the class
    • discuss and write an entry in your process diary on how the deconstructed version changed the feeling and transitions within the phrase
  • phrase three
    • students are to pair up and combine cards, choosing a new random order from one to ten
    • students are to perform this phrase as a duet, altering the use of level and directions to one another
    • discuss the probability and percentage of each selected card
    • draw a bar graph showing the amount of times each action was selected.

Students will:

• follow the instructions on slide seven of the PowerPoint presentation, exploring how the use of different directions in space can create intrigue and diversity within choreography
• use directions such as: turn your head to each number, point your right index finger to each number, point with your elbow, then knee, then your whole body. Take this further and step, walk, run or turn towards the number, making each movement natural and unforced
• discuss and write an entry on the effectiveness of utilising different directions within a work.

Students will:

• complete the instructions on slide eight of the PowerPoint presentation, exploring the use of abstraction with different body parts and varied levels within choreography
• discuss and write a process diary entry on the effectiveness and exploration of locomotor movement on different levels.

Students will:

• complete the instructions on slide nine of the PowerPoint presentation exploring temporal variations
• learn and manipulate a sequence taught by the classroom teacher, adding stillness and dynamics to the movement
• retrograde the movement, exploring how the timing and transitions would alter
• reflect on the task discussing how the temporal variations make the phrase more interesting.

Students will:

• complete the instructions on slide ten of the PowerPoint presentation exploring dynamic qualities in soft and forceful movement
• discuss and write a process diary entry on the effectiveness of adapting to these dynamic qualities.

Students will:

• read and complete the improvisation task on slide 11 of the PowerPoint presentation, exploring space, time and dynamics through movement
  • improvisation task
• choose a beginning shape on any level
• melt to the floor and hold a finishing shape
• reach out in any way or form from this position
• rewind/return to your original starting shape
• take two to ten steps the choice is yours
• create a balance or hold on one leg in any shape
• walk in any direction for as long as you like
• run in any direction as quickly or slowly as you like
• travel as though you are in quicksand
• change this level: laying down, front, back, side on, etc, walking through quicksand
• find a finishing shape on any level and hold this
• wait for the rest of the dancers to finish and hold their position.
• students are to remember this phrase and manipulate it through the following ways
  • change the timing and tempo of your movements
  • add one to two stillness
  • change the direction and planes of the movement whenever you would like
  • add dynamic qualities through the movement, e.g.: percussive (hard) versus sustained (soft) movement qualities.

Students will:

• complete the instructions on slide 12 of the PowerPoint presentation exploring dynamic qualities through locomotor movement
• discuss how feelings and emotions are connected to the dynamic qualities and how this enhanced the movement explored.

Use the Dynamic cards template (PDF 4.27 MB) for this activity.

Students will:

• discuss the task on slide 13 of the PowerPoint presentation exploring the generation of a short work, including three sections of different dynamic movement
• perform for the class, enabling discussion around the selected dynamic qualities
• reflect on the use of each dynamic and what it is like to only use one quality for an entire section.

Students will:

• discuss the task on slide 14 of the PowerPoint presentation exploring four prior tasks
  • points in space
  • body parts take control
  • temporal variations
  • isolating an impulse
• create an original impulse work exploring each of these activities to develop movement from focal points, body-part leads, varied timing and action and reaction to force
• perform for the class, enabling discussion and feedback around the success of using these different tasks to create a short work
• reflect on the benefits of exploring these tasks to generate movement and how this could be adapted when it comes to creating a composition work.

Students will:

• discuss the previous ten tasks and how each explored and manipulated space, time and dynamics.

When structuring the lessons aim to work through two tasks per week. Some tasks will run over more than one lesson. Allow students to explore the tasks to their full extent to build their knowledge, understanding and skill within improvisation. The appreciation and practical composition lessons are to be explored in partnership. Attempt to engage in reflection tasks at the end of each activity, building students competencies in writing an effective process diary.

Students are to:

• demonstrate a willingness to engage in improvisation tasks
• explore performance opportunities presenting group works and phrases to the class around each improvisation task
• demonstrate understanding and skill in manipulating the elements of dance to create engagement within their work .

Dance advantage: Improvisation tasks