9.4: Lesson 2: Technique in Performance

Lesson 2: Technique in Performance

Year 9 Dance - Unit 4 - Refining and Presenting Dance Works

Demonstrate increased technical precision and body control during performance.

Apply technical skills to improve movement clarity and execution.

Success Criteria

Focus on refining technical skills and body control in performance.

Enhance the ability to execute movements with precision and control.

Learning Intention

What is Technique in Dance?

🩰 Definition: Technique is the foundational physical skills that support safe, expressive, and accurate movement in dance.

Core elements include:

Alignment – correct posture and placement of body parts

Balance – control over your body in stillness and movement

Control – precision and steadiness in execution

📣 Why it matters

Great technique helps you:

Move safely

Perform with power and clarity

Communicate clearly through movement

Open Ended

🗣️ Think-Pair-Share: What happens to a performance when technique is lacking?

Technique vs. Performance Qualities

🧠 Let’s compare:

Performance Quality	Dance Technique
Emotional expression	Physical execution
Connecting with audience	Clean lines & control
Energy & presence	Alignment & strength

Open Ended

Discuss: Do you think you can you have one without the other?

Open Ended

Discuss: What happens when you have both?

🎯 Focus on these elements:

Body Alignment – Is the spine neutral? Are joints stacked?

Clean Lines – Are limbs extended fully and clearly?

Control – Are transitions smooth and intentional?

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Demonstration: Technique in Action

Open Ended

What did you notice about the control in turning or balancing movements?

Open Ended

How did strong technique affect the visual impact?

🤸‍♀️ Watch again – this time slowly:

Ask yourself:

✅ Where does balance come into play?

✅ What small technical details make the movement look clean?

✅ How would this look different with poor alignment?

Movement Breakdown: Let’s Analyse

Open Ended

What’s one technical element you personally want to focus on improving?

Part 2: Group Technique Exercises and Technique Practice

​Use the next few lessons to follow along with the next 2 videos as a class to develop technique and learn the combination before moving on to the next part.

🤝 Partnered Practice: Technique Check-In

In pairs, practise the short dance sequence. As you work, observe each other’s technique, focusing on:

✅ Precision – Are movements clear, clean, and intentional?

✅ Control – Are transitions smooth? Is balance maintained?

✅ Alignment – Is posture correct and safe?

📝 Feedback Structure:

Take turns performing and giving feedback. Use these sentence starters:

“One thing you did really well was…”

“One area you could improve is…”

“Try focusing on your ___ to make it even stronger.”

💡 Tips for Success:

Practise slowly first, then build to full speed

Use a mirror or video if available

Be specific and supportive in your feedback

🗣️ Challenge Question:

What small adjustment could make a big improvement in your partner’s technique?

Part 3: Self Reflection

​Complete Self Reflection form attached to this assignment then press submit.