New
New
Year 2

Traditional Greek dance

I can create a simple traditional Greek dancing motif and use size and formations in my work.

New
New
Year 2

Traditional Greek dance

I can create a simple traditional Greek dancing motif and use size and formations in my work.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: performing a traditional Greek motif requires us to perform actions in a set order using size and formation.
  2. Move: performing actions in unison while in contact with others needs careful timing and control.
  3. Think: arranging actions in order needs us to think about how they will connect.
  4. Feel: trying a range of ideas before choosing the best involves resilience.
  5. Connect: demonstrating trust needs us to work together to create our motifs and appreciate the effort of others.

Keywords

  • Size - how big or small a shape or action is

  • Formation - how dancers are arranged, e.g. line, circle, block

  • Contact - physical connection with another performer

Common misconception

Moves have to be performed in a specifc order to be effective.

After learning a few moves, we can ask the pupils which to perform and how many. This enables them to develop their choreographic skills of selecting and sequencing actions effectively.


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

When performing side to side actions in a circle, many pupils facing the teacher will be likely to use mirroring and will benefit from being regularly prompted on which way to travel.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Suggested music

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
In line dancing, what part of the body is used the most?

hands
hips
Correct answer: feet

Q2.
If we perform actions at the same time, what does this mean we are showing?

empathy
Correct answer: unison
kindness

Q3.
When dancers turn 90°, what have they changed?

size
Correct answer: direction
level

Q4.
What are patterns of movements called?

Correct answer: motifs
conversations
actions

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a traditional Greek dance formation?

behind each other
individual dancers
Correct answer: side by side

Q2.
What helps us move together when performing traditional Greek dance?

jumping
smiling
Correct answer: contact

Q3.
What is one way we can change an action in dance?

Correct answer: change the size
change the music
avoid moving

Q4.
What should you do before selecting an action?

think out loud
Correct answer: think through choices
think about contact

Additional material

Download additional material