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#393 Expressing emotion through dance – The Willows Primary and DanceEast

Claire Brame

What did we do?

At the start of this project, it was brought to my attention that within my setting Year 6 pupils were showing emotionally that they found it hard to express their feelings.  The opportunity arose and by contacting a number of outside agencies, Dance East really stood out! The fact they were able, through Dance, to provide a project that pupils were going to be able to express their emotions. I worked with the team at Dance East, starting off with the main contact Lucy, Lucy was able to talk about what Dance East had to offer and the different packages they had, which would best support the pupils within my setting. A week later Lucy provided me with a package and it went smoothly from there. I was able to contact Lucy at any time and nothing was ever too much trouble from emails to phone calls.  

It was agreed that Dance East would attend The Willows Primary School on a Friday PM for one hour for a ten week project. Included in the package was the chance for all students of Year 6 to attend a show “CAS PUBLIC” and perform at the end of the project. The project was delivered by Dance East = Lead Dance Artist Laura and an Assistant Dance Artist Maya.  

This was a new partnership for my setting and a new activity to be able to support the pupils through dance to express their emotions. 

At the start of the project all pupils in Year 6 were invited to see a show “CAS PUBLIC”. This was to allow the pupils to be able to understand that no matter, our background, ethnicity and what views we may have. We are all different in many different ways but in society we would all like to be treated the same.  

After the above show “CAS PUBLIC” which really made all students, think about how we are all different but we are all humans and always there for one another. I then worked closely with the Year 6 Teacher to choose the pupils that we felt would benefit from the project. This being that it would have a positive impact and would make the pupils feel stronger and have a voice for freedom to talk.  

We collaboratively choose 22 pupils to participate; these pupils have/had the background of Social and Emotional Barriers, SEN, Mental Health, Behaviour and Resilience.  The student’s chosen were informed about the exciting opportunity from an outside agency. All the pupils were very excited, keen and none of the pupils said I wouldn’t like to take part. A couple of pupils were not sure but they were keen to try and see what it was all about. They then participated throughout the whole project which was nice to see.  

I would just to like to say a massive Thank you to Laura, Maya and the other Dance Artists that have attended The Willows Primary School. For delivering the project, travelling to our setting and putting the interest of the pupils first, listening and having the time to talk and encourage pupils that were shy and did not want to participant.

Summary of impact

I and the Year 6 Teacher met with the Leader Lucy, along with the Dance Artist via a Zoom meeting to inform us what their outcome would look like at the end of the project. We also spoke about what we wanted the pupils to achieve and our expected outcomes.  

22 Pupils worked with professionals every week to deliver and contribute towards the project. 

Overall the project has had a positive outcome. Not only have the pupils participated, they have been very engaged and focused throughout the 10 week project. We as a school have seen the pupils benefit and the difference it has made has gone beyond our expectations.   

Social and Emotional Barriers, SEN, Mental Health, Behaviour and Resilience = Through looking at the areas that I/we felt were the most important. It been seen that the pupils have not only been able to express their feelings. The transition to High School has made them feel more confident.  Pupils are closer; Friendships have developed, team building is more focused in class. This has been observed by other staff members and commented upon.

The pupils have become more resilient. As the weeks went on pupils became stronger on how to express their emotions and needs.   

From the project starting right through to the end, it has had a massive impact on our Year 6 pupils. All the areas we took into consideration of where we wanted the pupils to be at the end of the project have been met by all the pupils’ needs in many different ways – Social and Emotional Barriers, SEN, Mental Health, Behaviour and Resilience – through looking at the areas that I/we felt were the most important.

It been seen that the pupils have not only been able to express their feelings. The transition to High School has made them feel more confident.  Pupils are closer; Friendships have developed, team building is more focused in class. This has been observed by other staff members and commented upon.

Are there parts of the project you will continue to develop and deliver?

I applied for additional funding in order to allow a group of Year 5 pupils to have the same opportunity as Year 6. Again this has gone exceptional well.  

Social and Emotional Barriers, SEN, Mental Health, Behaviour and Resilience. All of these areas play a big part in our lives and my role within my setting as a Learning Mentor, working closely alongside pupils with behavioural needs. These, pupils behaviour has changed for the better.  

One particular pupil who has a big interest in Dance has been able to participate. This pupil struggled to engage and focus. He would refuse to go into class, would not speak to staff about his feelings.   

The outcome has been positive he has been able to be more resilient, develop new friendships and be more focused in class. To add to the positives he is able to express his feelings to staff members. This is not to say that this will carry on in this way, however, progress has seen to be made and the outcome has made a big impact on his education.  

If additional funding is available next year. I would like to have the opportunity of applying. The project has given so much to my setting and it has been able to support so many pupils in different ways for the better. 

In addition, The Year 6 teacher has had the chance to complete an Arts Award at the Discovery and Explore Level.  

For part of the award which took place at Dance East Studios this involved a Tour, Workshop, Creating a Sequence and Performance.    

This was a great opportunity and through the experience and applying it within the classroom, it has been seen that this pupil’s English work has developed in many different ways; furthermore, the teacher will be able to use this award to apply it to the Curriculum in the near future.   

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Contacts

Claire Brame, The Willows Primary School