News from Performing Arts

WEEK 4 | TERM 3

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Ms Machoy

Prep 

This term, Prep students will be introduced to dance through a fun Children’s Movies themed unit. Using music from The Smurfs, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Happy Feet, and Madagascar, students will explore the elements of dance – time(fast and slow movements), space (where they move), and energy (how they move). Students will learn the importance of safe dance practices, including participating in warm-ups, maintaining spatial awareness, and moving safely around others. Throughout the unit, they will also develop their ability to learn and perform simple choreography, using expressive movements inspired by their favourite movie characters and songs.

Specific Skills: 

• Safe dance practices
• Following instructions
• Learning and remembering simple choreography
• Moving in time with the beat and music
• Expressive movement
• Creativity and imagination

One

This term, Grade 1 students will explore the exciting theme "Dance Through the Ages." They will discover how dance has changed over time by learning about the history and social context of different dance styles from a range of time periods and cultures. Students will be introduced to dances including the Minuet, Maypole, Charleston, Swing, Rock 'n' Roll, Go-Go Dancing, Disco, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Through practical lessons, they will learn the basic movements and characteristics of each style while developing their dance skills, coordination, rhythm, musicality, and confidence. Throughout the term, students will build an appreciation of how dance reflects the people, culture, and history of different eras while enjoying opportunities to perform and express themselves through movement.

Specific Skills:

• Learning about the history and social context of different dance styles
• Recognising how dance has changed over time
• Exploring the characteristics of historical and contemporary dance styles
• Performing basic movements from a range of dance genres
• Learning and remembering choreography
• Moving in time with the beat and rhythm of music
• Developing balance, coordination and body control

Two

This term, Grade 2 students will embark on a "Dance Around the World" journey, exploring a variety of traditional and social dances from different cultures. Students will learn about the cultural significance and origins of dances including Aboriginal dance, Australian bush dance, Cha Cha, Samba, Tarantella, Zorba, and African dance. Through practical lessons, students will experience the unique movements, rhythms and traditions of each dance style while developing their confidence, coordination and performance skills. This unit will encourage students to appreciate the diversity of cultures around the world and understand how dance can be used to tell stories, celebrate traditions and bring communities together.

Specific Skills

• Learning about the cultural significance and history of dances from around the world.
• Performing basic movements and choreography from a variety of dance styles.
• Using the elements of dance – time, space and energy.
• Developing coordination, rhythm, balance and body control.
• Demonstrating confidence, teamwork and performance skills

Three

This term, Grade 3 students will deepen their understanding of dance by exploring the elements of dance and learning how choreographers create interesting and engaging performances using choreographic devices. Students will investigate contrast, accumulation, canon, and retrograde, applying these devices to create and perform their own dance sequences. Through practical lessons, students will experiment with movement, collaborate with others, and develop their choreographic and performance skills while building confidence and creativity.

Specific Skills:

• Applying the elements of dance (time, space and energy) to movement.
• Using contrast, accumulation, canon, and retrograde to create choreography.
• Learning, creating and performing dance sequences.
• Collaborating with others to develop and refine movement ideas.
• Demonstrating confidence, expression and performance skills.

Four

This term, Grade 4 students will explore the exciting world of Musical Theatre Dance. They will learn about the history and origins of musical theatre and discover how dance helps to tell stories, develop characters and entertain audiences. Students will participate in practical dance lessons inspired by well-known musicals, including Aladdin, The Phantom of the Opera, Singin' in the Rain, and Cats. Through learning choreography from a variety of musical theatre styles, students will build confidence, creativity and performance skills while gaining an appreciation of this unique performing arts genre.

Specific Skills:

• Understanding the history and features of musical theatre.
• Learning and performing musical theatre choreography.
• Using expressive skills, including facial expressions, gestures and body movement.
• Applying the elements of dance – time, space and energy.
• Demonstrating confidence, teamwork and stage performance skills.

Five

This term, Grade 5 students will explore the exciting world of Circus Arts. They will learn about the history and origins of the circus, the different roles found within a circus, and the features that make circus performances unique. Through practical lessons, students will develop a range of circus skills, including juggling, balancing, hula hooping, acrobatics,and ribbon manipulation, before combining these skills into a collaborative group performance.

This unit will encourage creativity, perseverance and teamwork while building confidence through performance.

Specific Skills:

• Understanding the history, roles and features of traditional and contemporary circus.
• Developing circus techniques, including juggling, balancing, hula hooping, acrobatics and ribbon skills.
• Applying coordination, balance, strength and body control.
• Working collaboratively to create and perform a group circus routine.
• Demonstrating confidence, creativity and safe performance practices.

Six

This term, Grade 6 students will explore the dynamic world of Hip Hop Dance. They will learn about the history and origins of hip hop culture, including how hip hop dance has evolved and influenced communities around the world. Through practical lessons, students will be introduced to a variety of hip hop styles, including freestyle, krumping, breaking (breakdance), tutting, locking, and popping. Students will develop their technical and performance skills while creating and performing choreography inspired by the energy and creativity of hip hop.

Specific Skills:

• Understanding the history, origins and key elements of hip hop culture and dance.
• Performing movements from a variety of hip hop styles, including freestyle, krumping, breaking, tutting, locking and popping.
• Applying the elements of dance (time, space and energy) to hip hop choreography.
• Developing coordination, rhythm, musicality and expressive performance skills.
• Demonstrating creativity, confidence and teamwork through choreography and performance.