1. From the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal

School Radio > Dance > KS2: Dance Workshop > Wonders of the world

1. From the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal - 2. From the Pyramid of Giza to the Colosseum - 3. From Machu Picchu to the Great Barrier Reef

A dance session inspired by two outstanding structures - the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India.

1. From the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal

The first session visits Asia - starting at the Great Wall of China where partners synchronise strong but exhausted building movements before linking up with other pairs to create their own class wall. Then the content moves on to the north of India where the serene beauty and symmetry of the Taj Mahal are recreated in controlled group shapes and balances, ending in an evocation of Indian folk-dance.

Resources

Lesson summary

Warm up: Step-hopping through the spaces, then controlled stretches.

The Great Wall: Pairs lift and lay stones and build wall-sections with strong pounding-actions.

Fire beacons: A class 'great wall' passes movements like beacon-messages.

Travelling: A class line snakes through the spaces to the Taj Mahal in India.

Taj Mahal: Groups of 5-6 make intricate patterns with symmetry and balance.

Indian celebration: Traditional steps in a rhythmic group circle-dance, with bhangra elements.

Cool down: Gentle stretches.

Other units of KS2 Dance Workshop

School Radio > Dance > KS2: Dance Workshop > Wonders of the world

1. From the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal - 2. From the Pyramid of Giza to the Colosseum - 3. From Machu Picchu to the Great Barrier Reef