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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can use facial expressions when I perform actions to communicate the meaning of a story in dance.

Key learning points

  1. Move: actions, particularly facial expressions, can be used to communicate feelings or emotions.
  2. Move: creating rhythmic foot patterns to communicate the story needs balance and control.
  3. Think: reviewing my own work before performing involves evaluating my choices.
  4. Feel: rehearsing and then performing to an audience needs resilience.
  5. Connect: performing contrasting roles with a partner involves trust.

Keywords

  • Facial expression - how our face communicates our feelings or emotions

  • Focus - where the dancer is looking

  • Character - a person, animal or creature from a story

Common misconception

Traditional dance styles are how all the people in that country dance.

Traditional dance styles are still danced by some people in their communities on certain occasions. They will also dance other styles too and these will change depending on whether they are in a theatre, temple or at a social event.

Teacher tip

Many pop stars look to traditional dance styles to use in their videos and performances. These can support students' understanding of how such work can be fused into a modern cultural experience and be accessible.

Equipment

Suggested music

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
What is the traditional dance style from Hawaii known as?

Correct answer: Hula
Salsa
Line dancing

Q2.
Why do we often use gestures in a storytelling dance?

to change levels
to add interest
Correct answer: to communicate meaning

Q3.
What does trusting someone's feedback enable us to do?

describe our work
Correct answer: improve our work
finish our work

Q4.
What part of our body is used when performing a facial expression?

hands
Correct answer: face
feet

4 Questions

Q1.
Where does Kathak dance come from?

Italy
Ireland
Correct answer: India

Q2.
What part of our body is used when we focus?

hands
Correct answer: eyes
feet

Q3.
What skill do we use if we make physical contact with our partner when dancing?

Correct answer: trust
empathy
balance

Q4.
What word do we give to a person, animal or creature from a story?

Correct answer: character
building
sky

To help you plan your 2 physical education lesson on: Kathak dance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...