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      Combining and refining dance ideas to strive for excellence in projection

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can project character and meaning effectively.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: using everyday actions can add authenticity to characterisation.
      2. Think: deciding how an action is performed results in more accurate projection.
      3. Feel: ensuring accuracy and authenticity requires resilience to ensure the detail is correct.
      4. Connect: acting on feedback from others involves trust in their observation and interpretation.

      Keywords

      • Projection - the communication of the dance idea

      • Facial expression - movements or positions of the face

      • Body language - conscious or unconscious postures or actions that communicate feelings or moods.

      Common misconception

      Performers have to smile all the time.

      Performers use facial expression to communicate the mood or feelings of their character. This range can include smiling if happy, weeping if sad, a furrowed brow if worried, a cleanched jaw if angry or eye-rolling if annoyed.

      Teacher tip

      Select an excerpt that demonstrates a range of emotions and includes easily replicated actions. Well known musical theatre songs are likely to be useful.

      Equipment

      Excerpt of a dance from a film, play or television programme. Soundtrack from the chosen film, play or television programme.

      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.
      Which of the following is a style feature?

      Correct answer: stance
      costume
      location

      Q2.
      What does the original location of a dance style refer to?

      Correct answer: geographic context
      historic context
      social context

      Q3.
      What does authenticity mean?

      Correct answer: genuine
      old fashioned
      unreliable

      Q4.
      What is an excerpt?

      intense exercise
      Correct answer: a short extract
      a way out

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What phrase describes postures or actions that project meaning or feelings?

      Correct answer: body language
      facial expression
      stance

      Q2.
      What word describes your ability to pay close attention to detail and keep refining actions, especially if things don’t work out initially?

      respect
      Correct answer: resilience
      routine

      Q3.
      What word describes judging the effectiveness of a performance?

      Correct answer: evaluation
      description
      composition

      Q4.
      Which dance style does not regularly use facial expression?

      Musical Theatre
      Kathak
      Correct answer: the Waltz

      To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Combining and refining dance ideas to strive for excellence in projection, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...