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      Move, don’t move: relationships and stillness

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use stillness to add contrast.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: stillness requires the precise use of balance, strength and control.
      2. Move: an aesthetic dance will include both physical and expressive skills.
      3. Think: deciding when and how to apply stillness involves evaluating the effect from the audience’s perspective.
      4. Feel: useful feedback is delivered with honesty and integrity.
      5. Connect: making adjustments to choreography requires all performers to cooperate fully.

      Keywords

      • Stillness - the absence of motion

      • Contrast - distinctly different

      • Staging - how the audience are positioned for a performance

      Common misconception

      The audience are always directly facing the stage/performers.

      Whilst most theatres use an 'end on' arrangement, this isn't always the case. Fashion shows traditionally use a 'thrust' stage, lecture-demonstrations might use 'in the round' and performances such as Mummers' plays, may use 'promenade'.

      Teacher tip

      When sharing work during a lesson, it is often easier for less experienced pupils to move the location of the audience than ask the performers to reorientate their work.

      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 term is used to describe how a motif is changed?

      Correct answer: developed
      deviated
      deranged

      Q2.
      In dance, which of these is a physical skill?

      Correct answer: stamina
      focus
      projection

      Q3.
      Which of the following is a method of motif variation?

      changing the music
      changing the lighting
      Correct answer: changing the formation

      Q4.
      What are distinguishing traits of a dance called?

      actions
      dance features
      Correct answer: style features

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is not a type of staging arrangement?

      end on
      promenade
      Correct answer: barre

      Q2.
      What physical skill does stillness require?

      Correct answer: control
      coordination
      flexibility

      Q3.
      What term is used for choreography that is distinctly different?

      compare
      Correct answer: contrast
      contort

      Q4.
      What do the audience do during a ‘promenade’ performance?

      Correct answer: follow the performers
      join in
      sit in deckchairs

      To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Move, don’t move: relationships and stillness, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...