KS2 Maypole Dancing

On Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th April 2007, a few days early, Key Stage Two children embarked on some Maypole Dancing.  For many this was a first chance to experience an old English tradition that could be in danger of dying out,  if not for the dedication and commitment of experienced people like Mr and Mrs Berry, who are willing to visit schools, at a small cost, and work with children of all ages.

Not only did children have the opportunity to Maypole Dance, but within sessions they developed team work, cooperation, improved coordination, and learned the importance of listening to and following instructions. Spatial awareness, rhythm, mathematics and many more valuable skills were learned in a short time and some of the results were quite stunning. If only children had had a little longer to enable them to develop their talents still further!

Children in different classes produced different dances including: Basket Weave, Barbers Pole, Spiders’ Web, 2 Ribbon Weave and 3 Ribbon Plait. Can you spot any of them on the clips shown?

Click on a picture below to play the video clip
Each picture will play a different short clip

Many, many thanks to Mr and Mrs Berry for providing such a wonderful opportunity for our children; I am sure I am not only speaking for myself but the majority of others at Cheslyn Hay in hoping that at some point in the near future you will lend your expertise again.

I cannot express how truly grateful I am. Thank you.

Why not take a look at some of the different classes caught on video presenting their Maypole dances to the rest of KS2.

Rob Hughes
PE and School Sport Coordinator