New
New
Year 9

Same, but different: relationships

I can use a variety of choreographic relationships.

New
New
Year 9

Same, but different: relationships

I can use a variety of choreographic relationships.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: choreographic relationships include unison, canon, mirroring and question and answer.
  2. Move: a motif can be varied or developed by competently changing elements.
  3. Think: gaining feedback from others supports our ability to evaluate effectively.
  4. Feel: relying on the feedback of others requires integrity.
  5. Connect: performing in a variety of relationships involves all group members to cooperate.

Keywords

  • Motif - a pattern of actions seen more than once in a dance

  • Relationships - how actions and motifs are arranged relative to others

  • Variation/development - ways a motif can be changed

Common misconception

Motif variation and motif development are the same thing.

Variation and development are both methods of motif manipulation. However, during variation, the action content remains the same but how it is presented can be changed. Whereas, development involves significant alteration to the actions themselves.


To help you plan your year 9 physical education lesson on: Same, but different: relationships, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

If you do not feel confident with the distinction between variation and development you may wish to simply reference 'manipulating' the motif as this term covers both.
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.
What does describing the speed of an action refer to?
space
Correct answer: dynamics
relationships
Q2.
What type of skill is ‘projection’?
physical
Correct answer: expressive
choreographic
Q3.
What does onomatopoeia describe?
Correct answer: a sound
a shape
an action
Q4.
Which of the following is not a choreographic relationship?
Correct answer: space
mirroring
canon

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
In dance, what do we call a pattern of actions seen more than once in a performance?
Correct answer: a motif
a phrase
a sequence
Q2.
Which of the following is not a choreographic relationship?
contact
contrast
Correct answer: contemporary
Q3.
Which of the following is an example of motif variation?
change of actions
Correct answer: change of speed
change of order
Q4.
Which of the following is an example of motif development?
change of formation
change of level
Correct answer: reversing the actions

Additional material

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