International Dance Day: Make teaching primary dance a breeze with Striver

Let's face it - teaching PE can sometimes feel like you're freestyling with two left feet. You're in the hall, the WiFi's playing hide and seek, half the class have forgotten their PE kit, and suddenly you're expected to channel your inner Darcey Bussell. Sound familiar?

Well fear not! International Dance Day is the perfect time to step up your confidence in delivering dance lessons. And with Striver, there's no need to break into a cold sweat (save that for the warm up).

What is International Dance Day?

International Dance Day (or World Dance Day) is celebrated every year on 29th April to promote Art and Culture and to raise awareness among the public regarding the art of dance. The day was founded in 1982 by the Dance Committee of The International Theatre Institute (ITI), the performing arts partner of Unesco. It falls each year on the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, the founder of modern ballet who died in 1810. The day also encourages participation in dance across different cultures and countries and can be used to promote understanding of differences and promote equality and respect.

For teachers, it's the perfect opportunity to put the spotlight on dance in the UK primary PE curriculum.

Dance and the UK PE Curriculum

In the National Curriculum for PE in England, dance is a core requirement for both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Pupils are expected to explore movement, improve coordination, and express themselves through choreographed routines.

Sounds inspiring right? But if the thought of teaching dances makes you want to two-step in the opposite direction, you're not alone.

How Striver supports teaching Dance in Primary Schools

Striver, the whole-school PE scheme from 2Simple, is here to take the stress out of teaching primary PE - including how to teach dance effectively.

Here's why Striver will have you dancing with joy:

💃 Dance units for every year group

From exploring the seasons and waving ribbons in Nursery, to creating 'chain reactions' and choreographed group routines in Year 6, every year group gets a dedicated dance unit (or three!), and you get a full sequence of lessons at your fingertips.

📝 Step-by-step plans that build teacher confidence

Not a trained PE teacher? No problem. Striver's detailed lesson plans break everything down clearly - including videos and diagrams - giving you the confidence to deliver quality PE lessons.

📱Teach and assess on the go with the Striver App

Striver's app allows you to teach PE without WiFi - perfect for those tech blackspots in the school hall, or even out on the field. You can access lessons, demonstrate moves, and assess progress straight from your device.

🧘 More than just movement

Striver includes mindfulness and wellbeing content too, helping children link physical activity to mental health - a key part of modern primary education.

Whatever you do for International Dance Day, we would love you to share your work with us on either our X or Facebook pages with the #InternationalDanceDay.