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Teaching resources

Back to Dance

Important: These resources are aligned to the current Victorian Curriculum F-10 (Version 1.0). For resources to support implementation of the revised curriculum, visit the Victorian Curriculum F-10 Version 2.0 website.

The Elements of Dance posters

Primary classrooms 

The element of dance poster 1

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Secondary classrooms 

The element of dance poster 2

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These 10 downloadable posters have been designed to support the learning of Dance in primary and secondary classrooms. Dance is learned through developing skills and knowledge associated with the elements of dance (space, time, energy and relationships) and locomotor and non-locomotor movements. These posters make visible the basic concepts and vocabulary associated with the elements.

Teachers and schools are encouraged to download, print and display either the primary or secondary versions of these A3 posters.

Elements of Dance posters for primary classrooms

Elements of Dance posters for secondary classrooms

A styled text-only Word version of the posters has also been provided:

Elements of Dance posters for primary classrooms, text only versions

Elements of Dance posters for secondary classrooms, text only versions

Sample units of work

These resources are designed to provide teachers with ideas of how to approach teaching Dance in Primary classrooms.

Each sample unit of work consists of up to 10 learning activities based around a central theme. Each of the learning activities includes learning intentions, assessment opportunities, an indication of timing, relevant Victorian Curriculum links, lists of web resources plus any other resources required, and explicit instructions and tips for teachers.

Foundation – How do people in different roles fit together in the community? 

Cross-curriculum units of work

Dance: The Arts and Health and Physical Education

In the Victorian Curriculum, dance features in both The Arts and Health and Physical Education curriculum areas. When teaching dance, these two curriculum areas complement each other.

The Arts: Dance curriculum focuses on choreographing, performing and appreciating dance. Students use the elements of dance to explore choreography and performance and to practise choreographic, technical and expressive skills. Through this curriculum, students develop a movement vocabulary they can use to explore and refine imaginative ways of moving.

In the Health and Physical Education curriculum area the emphasis is on dance as a lifelong physical activity and the development of movement skills, concepts and patterns. In Health and Physical Education, dance can be taught through the focus area of Rhythmic and expressive movement activities.

Together these curricula provide ways for students to develop personal and social skills and critically appraise cultural and social factors that shape their own identities, body and communities.

The following units provide examples of how dance teaching and learning programs can draw on both The Arts: Dance and Health and Physical Education.

Foundation sample unit of work: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Level 1-2 sample unit of work: A Day At The  Beach

Level 3-4 sample unit of work: Crazy Boot Scootin

Level 5-6 sample unit of work: Sport Mob Dance

F-2 Dance Resource

This series of short videos provides teachers with examples of ways to introduce students in lower primary settings to the fundamental body parts, shapes and movements used to create dance patterns.

External resources

The following external links are for teacher reference purposes. They do not constitute VCAA endorsement of the views or materials contained on these sites.

Arts Centre Melbourne 

The Australian Ballet

Australian Centre for the Moving Image 

Geelong Performing Arts Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres

Use the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres to find resources in your area.

Western Edge Youth Arts