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Lesson 11 – Pirates (Dance)
Teaching Focus: In this dance lesson, students will extend their understanding of the
dance elements of body, space, time, energy and relationship through an exploration of
choreography specific to character.
Curriculum
Expectations
Space
Materials
and Prep.
Dance A1.2 (use dance as a language to explore, interpret, and
communicate…)
Dance A1.3 (use movement in the choreographic form call and
response…)
Clear, open space in the classroom (move desks aside)
CD player
Pirate Dance music
Classroom Activities:
Whole group discussion
Role play/movement exploration
choreography
Prior Knowledge
Students will have learned the lyrics to the pirate song (which will be used for the
choreography) in a prior music lesson. Students will need to have familiarity with stage
directions and have some coordination skills. Choreography can be modified for
students with mobility issues.
Lesson
Lead a whole group discussion (establishing prior knowledge) about Pirates.
Consider such questions as: How does one chose to be/become a pirate Are
pirates good or bad Imagine the living conditions on a pirate ship: How much
room do they have Where do they sleep Who does the cooking Where do
they get their food Where do they bathe Do they Think about the social
order: Who's the boss Who’s the next in command Do they like each other
Do they have fights Are they strong or weak men physically Think of these
questions specifically in relation to the pirates in the play.
Based on the above discussion give the students scenarios of daily happenings
in the lives of the pirates and have them explore, through movement, these
specific situations paying particular attention to describing emotion and
relationship through their movement. Play music throughout. Talk the students
through the 8 efforts of the Laban movement analysis (Slash, Dab Flick, Thrust,
Glide, Press Wring, Float) to enable them to explore how it feels to be physically
different from themselves. Questions to consider: How does it feel to pretend to
Peter Pan Study Guide 28
Stratford Shakespeare Festival 2010