Gymnastics & Dance Movement Knowledge Organiser

Key vocabulary

1. 1 Body shape The shape the body makes during movement: stretched, tucked, wide, narrow, twisted, symmetrical, asymmetrical. e.g. Stretched star jump, tucked forward roll
2. 2 Balance Holding a still position with control — on different body parts, at different heights. Points of balance = where weight is taken. e.g. One-legged balance (1 point), handstand (2 points), shoulder stand (many points)
3. 3 Counterbalance Two or more people balancing against each other — the combined weight creates the balance. If one person moves away, both fall. e.g. Back-to-back sit, push-grip lean
4. 4 Flight Being in the air — either jumping or being supported. Includes: take-off, flight phase, landing (controlled, absorb force through knees). e.g. Straddle jump, jump half-turn
5. 5 Sequence A series of movements performed in order, with smooth transitions between elements. Sequences have a beginning, development, and end.
6. 6 Dynamics How a movement is performed: fast/slow, strong/light, sudden/sustained, direct/flexible. e.g. A punch (strong, direct, sudden) vs a float (light, flexible, sustained)

• ▶ 1. VARIETY: use different body shapes, levels (low/medium/high), and directions
• ▶ 2. TRANSITIONS: the connection between elements should be smooth and controlled — the transition IS part of the sequence
• ▶ 3. TIMING: vary the pace — some elements fast, some slow, some held still
• ▶ 4. USE OF SPACE: change directions, travel across the space, use different pathways
• ▶ 5. QUALITY: every element performed with care — straight legs, pointed feet, controlled landings
• ▶ 6. START AND FINISH: begin and end in a still, deliberate position
• ▶ PEER ASSESSMENT: watch a partner's sequence and identify one strength and one area to improve using the principles above