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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can choreograph using the style of a traditional Irish Jig.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: listening and responding to music using different time signatures requires control and accuracy.
      2. Move: pupils can perform the Jig steps using the correct posture with control, balance and accurate timings.
      3. Think: learning new actions involves deciding what, where, when and how to move our body.
      4. Feel: consistently applying the posture used in Irish dancing requires resilience.
      5. Connect: cooperating with others when giving feedback is important when suggesting ideas for improvement.

      Keywords

      • Jig - a type of traditional dance that involves jumping

      • Posture - the position the body is held in

      • Hop - to jump on one foot

      Common misconception

      In dance, you count all music in 8's.

      In dance, counting corresponds to the musical time signature which varies enormously. Many are 4/4 timing and can be counted in patterns of 4's or 8's, others may be in contrasting patterns such as 3/4 or 6/8, so would need to be counted accordingly.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage the pupils to 'feel' the music by swaying, tapping, travelling or nodding along to it.

      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 meant by ‘traditional’?

      modern
      futuristic
      Correct answer: long-standing

      Q2.
      What describes how a group of dancers are arranged?

      jump
      balance
      Correct answer: formation

      Q3.
      What skill does joint decision making require?

      Correct answer: cooperation
      creativity
      time keeping

      Q4.
      What word do we use in dance to describe moving from one location to another?

      tension
      Correct answer: travel
      turn

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What action would be seen in a Jig?

      turning
      travelling
      Correct answer: jumping

      Q2.
      In Irish dance, which musical time signatures might be used?

      just 12/8
      just 8’s
      Correct answer: 6/8, 9/8 or 12/8

      Q3.
      What is needed to sustain posture?

      Correct answer: resilience
      elegance
      energy

      Q4.
      What does cooperate mean?

      move freely
      Correct answer: work together
      direct others

      To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Irish Dancing: Ireland, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...