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      Meteorology: choreography

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can apply retrograde to choreography.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: performing actions in reverse requires accuracy.
      2. Think: anticipating future outcomes of our actions involves imagination.
      3. Feel: understanding that our small actions affect climate change requires self-belief.
      4. Connect: using choreographic relationships such as unison, canon and contact work requires cooperation.

      Keywords

      • Retrograde - to perform an action or motif in reverse

      • Structure - how the sections of a dance are organised

      • Choreography - the process of composing/designing a dance

      Common misconception

      Retrograde is a term only used in dance.

      Retrograde is a term used in many artforms, it is particularly prevalent in music and films.

      Teacher tip

      Describing retrograde as being performed in reverse or 'rewind' can be helpful, as well as beginning with a simple, isolated action e.g. raising an arm, before building the number or the complexity of the actions.

      Equipment

      Suggested music, Oak Additional Material.

      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 the sound we hear during a dance called?

      Correct answer: the accompaniment
      the orchestra
      silence

      Q2.
      In dance, what is the word used for where a performer is looking?

      posture
      Correct answer: focus
      placement

      Q3.
      What is a dancer aiming to do when applying the skill of ‘extension’?

      shorten an action
      Correct answer: lengthen an action
      repeat an action

      Q4.
      What should a group do in order to collaborate effectively?

      describe
      instruct
      Correct answer: cooperate

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is meant by ‘retrograde’?

      inverse
      converse
      Correct answer: reverse

      Q2.
      How many performers make up a ‘quintet’

      3
      4
      Correct answer: 5

      Q3.
      Which choreographic relationship involves all performers demonstrating the same action at the same time?

      Correct answer: unison
      canon
      retrograde

      Q4.
      In dance, what do we call the process by which the actions are composed into a set structure?

      performance
      Correct answer: choreography
      contact work

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Meteorology: choreography, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...