The final programme of dance resources linking to World War 1. In this programme the dance activities explore trench warfare with a sequence about going 'over the top'. Then the focus moves on to the Armistice and the commemoration of the War and those who died. Extended music sequences from the programme are available from the Sound Resources programme, which also includes backing tracks from the songs and sound effects that can be used to enhance your staging of the play 'Archie Dobson's War'.
Dance Part 3: Over the top!
Summary
Warm-up
American Ragtime! Moving to lively, optimistic ragtime beat: Step 2, 3, pose! Step 2, 3, pose! Step 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, pose!
Sequence 1: No-man’s-land!
Class divided into 3 equal lines, standing one line behind the other, along one side of the room. In turn, each line moves slowly forward across no man’s land with sometimes brave and sometimes fearful steps. Dancers freeze in a strong battle-pose to finish.
Sequence 2: Grizzly bear dance
Popular, humorous ragtime dance: Step 2, 3, claws! Step 2, 3, claws! Step 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, claws! First person look terrified! Second person look terrified! And step 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, claws!
Sequence 3: Remembrance
In follow-the-leader lines of 6. Each group line walks slowly forward to spread out across the width of the room. Lines should end up parallel and equally spaced – like rows of war-graves in WW1 cemetery. Finally, each group forms the shape of a war memorial.
Cool down
Deep, gentle breaths with slow, controlled stretches, and relax.
Resources
Teachers' notes document
Complete guidance notes for the WW1 Performance Pack music, dance and drama programmes
Archie Dobson's War - The Playscript. document
The script of 'Archie Dobson's War' to read online, print or download.
Music cues and SFX. audio
Download all the music cues and sound effects for the play as a zip file (52 MB)
More from this series
Dance - Part 1: Countdown to war. audio
Dance resources linking to World War 1. The dance activities in this programme contrast 'town' and 'country' in the summer of 1914 and build towards parade ground drills.
Dance - Part 2: Over by Christmas. audio
The second programme of dance resources linking to World War 1
Drama - Part 1. audio
Archie hopes to make the school football team. But it's 1914 and all is about to change.
