Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Dance: can you move in time to the beat and link your actions together?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can perform a range of different actions in time to the beat of a song.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: performing actions in time to the music requires control and accuracy.
      2. Think: focusing on the beat and moving your body in time to the music requires concentration.
      3. Feel: trying hard to ensure all of your actions are performed in time with the music demonstrates self-discipline.
      4. Connect: linking the movements with the music helps me to stay in time and enjoy the performance.

      Keywords

      • Action - a physical thing we do with our body

      • Beat - the regular, repeated pulse or rhythm in music that dancers follow to stay in time

      • Link - the connection or combination of movements, skills or actions performed smoothly together

      Common misconception

      Pupils think they have to do the same action for the full 8 beats.

      Pupils can select different actions, 1 per beat if they wish, and they don't have to be the same actions.

      Equipment

      Optional music - Nathan Evans, Wellerman

      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).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      When dancing, what should you listen for to help you keep in time?

      the instruments
      Correct answer: the beat
      the words

      Q2.
      What helps you keep in time with the music?

      guessing
      ignoring the music
      Correct answer: counting the beats

      Q3.
      What should you do if you make a mistake when dancing?

      Correct answer: keep going
      stop and hide
      give up

      Q4.
      Which attitude helps you learn new dance moves?

      Correct answer: I can try
      it's impossible
      I'm not good

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is an action?

      something we say
      Correct answer: some physical movement
      something we hear

      Q2.
      In how many counts do we group beats?

      2 counts
      7 counts
      Correct answer: 8 counts

      Q3.
      Which is a good example of a 1 beat action?

      running about
      Correct answer: a hop
      skipping for 30 seconds

      Q4.
      Which is an example of an action that might be appropriate for a 'hard beat'?

      a sway
      Correct answer: a punch
      a wave

      To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Dance: can you move in time to the beat and link your actions together?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...