Emotive Dance Showcase

Lesson Overview

Unit: Dancing With Emotions
Lesson: 7 of 8
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 25 students
Year Level: Year 3
Subject: Other (The Arts - Dance)
Curriculum Alignment: Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) Dance Year 3

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

Present our own emotive dance pieces confidently in a showcase format to an audience of peers and parents.

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Success Criteria

• Demonstrate confidence and clarity in our dance performances.
• Show expressive and emotive movements that communicate feelings.
• Support our peers by participating in backstage roles such as stage management.
• Reflect on our performances through watching recorded video footage (for extension).

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Queensland Curriculum Alignment

Content Descriptions (from AC9ADA4D01 and AC9ADA4E01, Years 3-4 Dance)

• Experiment with and practise skills for moving safely and expressively using fundamental movement skills and elements of dance (AC9ADA4D01).
• Explore where, why and how dance is choreographed/performed across cultures and contexts, focusing on communication of ideas and emotions (AC9ADA4E01).
• Share choreographed dance works with audiences, demonstrating understanding of elements and use of body awareness and safe practices (AC9ADAFP01).

General Capabilities

• Personal and social capability (confidence, collaboration, empathy through emotive expression).
• Critical and creative thinking (choreographing, reflecting on performances).
• ICT capability (recording performances for reflective critique).

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Differentiation

• Support roles: Students who may be shy or less confident in performing can take on backstage/technical roles e.g., stage manager, props handler, music operator.
• Dyslexia-friendly options: Provide clear, simple reading of written performance notes and cues; use pictorial cues for sequence reminders.
• Visual aids: Use photographs or symbols representing emotions to support memory of emotive expressions.
• Peer support: Pair stronger performers with those needing encouragement.

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Extension Activity

• Record each performance using a tablet or smartphone.
• Facilitate a reflective session where students watch their own dances and critique their emotive expression and confidence.
• Encourage students to provide constructive peer feedback.

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Lesson Plan

Preparation before lesson

• Arrange the performance space for audience seating.
• Prepare audio for music playback.
• Assign backstage/support roles prior to lesson start.

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description	Resources & Equipment
0-5 mins	Welcome and WALT sharing	Explain the WALT and success criteria with visual prompts about confidence, clarity, and emotion in dance.	Whiteboard / projector, WALT poster
5-15 mins	Warm-up and Group Stretch	Lead a safe and expressive warm-up focusing on body awareness and breathing to prepare for confident movement.	Music player, open space
15-40 mins	Showcase: Emotive Dance Performances	Groups perform their choreographed dances to peers and parents. Each performance followed by brief applause.	Music device, performance space
	During performances, backstage team manages music and stage settings.	Support students involved in organisational roles to foster inclusion and participation.	Backstage area, cues and checklist
40-45 mins	Reflection & Extension introduction	Briefly introduce the recording and reflective activity planned for the next lesson and hand out reflection sheets.	Video recording device, reflection sheets

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Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Teacher observation of student confidence and emotive clarity during performance using a simple rubric (e.g., confident body language, clear emotional expression, participation in roles).
• Peer feedback: Positive remarks shared at the end of each performance.
• Extension: Video reflection notes for advanced learners.

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Additional Notes for Teachers

• Encourage a positive and supportive atmosphere, emphasising process over perfection.
• Remind students about safe dance practices, including warming up and cooling down.
• Use encouragement and scaffolding to help students express emotions through movement.
• Use clear, simple language with visual supports for instructions to cater to diverse learners including those with dyslexia.

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Summary

This lesson empowers Year 3 students to showcase their emotive dances in a supportive environment aligned with Queensland curriculum standards. Through performance, backstage roles, and planned reflection, students develop confidence, creativity, and critical reflection while celebrating their expressive work with peers and parents.

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Curriculum references

• AC9ADA4D01: Experiment and practise skills for moving safely and expressively (Years 3-4 Dance)
• AC9ADA4E01: Explore cultural/purposeful dance choreography (Years 3-4 Dance)
• AC9ADAFP01: Share choreographed arts works with audiences (Foundation-Year 4 Dance)
• Differentiation and extension strategies from QCAA Dance curriculum elaborations
• Emphasis on safe practices, expressive performance, and reflection【2:AC9ADA4D01】【14:AC9ADA4E01】【0:AC9ADAFP01】