The concluding sessionâŠwill the King really go on parade without any clothes?
2. He's got no clothes!
Diane Louise Jordan concludes this unit exploring the famous story by Hans Christian Andersen about a very proud and foolish king.
Resources
Download the audio for this dance session as an mp3 file.
Guidance on using the dance sessions in this unit with your group (pdf)
3. The Emperor's New Clothes. audio
Sir Derek Jacobi reads an adaptation of 'The Emperor's new clothes' by Hans Christian Andersen.
Lesson summary
1: Warm up: As townsfolk, skipping through the spaces with knees lifted high, making curvy pathways. When the music stops, meet another person, shake hands and mime a short conversation about what youâve heard of the Kingâs new clothes.
2: Sewing: In pairs, as tricksters, sitting on the floor showing small and neat sewing actions that gradually get more and more exaggerated. As in the weaving sequence from the last programme, partners should try to copy each other as if looking in a mirror.
3: The new clothes: In pairs, one as a trickster dresses the other as the King in his new clothes. Tricksters adjust sleeves or collar, straighten out the cloak or tie something around the waist. The King turns around to get a better look at himself in the mirror, showing how pleased and flattered he is. The pairs swap roles.
4: The Parade: Striding through the spaces like the proud King wearing his invisible new clothes. When the little boy shouts âBut heâs got no clothes on!â and the crowd laughs, moving to show the Kingâs embarrassment, trying to cover up their body or hanging head in shame. One child is chosen to be the King and the rest of the class line up on both sides of the street to watch the parade.
5: Cool down: Sitting in a space of their own, the children relax with deep breaths and think about the moral of the story and the saying âPride comes before a fallâ.
Related units of KS1 Dance: Time to Move
The Brave Tin Soldier. collection
Two sessions exploring Hans Christian Andersen's story about the adventures of a tin soldier.
The Hare and the Tortoise. collection
Diane Louise Jordan has two dance sessions exploring Aesop's famous fable.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin. collection
A three-part unit based on the traditional story, popularised by the poem by Robert Browning.
