This half term's dance unit sees Hedgehog Class creating and performing a dance inspired by the Anglo Saxons and the story of Beowulf.

This week saw us considering dynamic movement and expression linked to the Beowulf character, Grendel. 

We began by thinking about the dynamic vocabulary associated with Grendel - powerfully stomping, strongly snatching, ferociously marching, fiercely charging, terrifyingly tearing, stealthily crawling before considering the size and levels of these actions. Having created our own ways to  show the character of Grendel through dance based on our dynamic vocabulary we then considered how we could use expression to show Grendel's emotions. We shared our dynamic movement ideas with our class before using ideas to develop our own performances. 

Everyone of us succeeded physically, cognitively, emotionally or socially and had great fun doing so! 

This week, Hedgehog's excelled at their ability to perform in unison whilst remaining in character as they applied the dynamic movements explored last week to a choreographed sequence. Expression and excellence alongside teamwork and cooperation were on full display and children succeeded across all four domains of learning again this week. 

Next week, we look to use 'Call and Response' as children create their own sequences in partners and we introduce a new character - Beowulf!

This week, Hedgehog turned their focus to partner work which provided an opportunity for children to extend their dance skills by using interacting movements and actions. Thinking about being an excellent dancer - interpreting the music and having good timing - the children worked in pairs to create a 'call and response' sequence involving both Grendel and Beowulf.

Once the children had created their sequence, they teamed up with another pair to evaluate each other's performances considering the questions: 

Is it clear which character each person is portraying?

Is there evidence of creativity and expression? 

Do children respond to the music appropriately? 

Are there clear positions of stillness?

Lots of successes across all four learning domains this week but increased opportunities for children to achieve social success through cooperation with their partner and emotional successes by being respectful when giving and receiving feedback. 

Hedgehog Class, you are working so hard in your dance unit - we can't wait for next week!

This week we focused on our finest Coton creativity as we explored different dance formations with a view to add interest to our audience. I wonder which different formations you can spot?