A South Asian dance show for children and their families exploring our complex
About the show
Plastic… is it friend or foe? Remarkable or rubbish? Helpful or harmful?
Plastic Drastic Fantastic is a contemporary dance theatre show for pupils which explores our complex relationship with plastics, the fantastic possibilities they offer, as well as the drastic consequences to the environment.
Drawing from South Asian dance techniques, the performers investigate plastics and the dangers of their misuse through intricate movement, gestures and play. Plastic Drastic Fantastic is an accessible, non-verbal, fun and thought-provoking piece, created in consultation with children and with material scientists at UCL.
Key Stage / Year Groups:
- Key Stage 2 and SEND
SEND Show Adapations:
- Relaxed performances
Relevant areas of the National Curriculum:
- Music
- Dance
- Science
- Geography
- Art & design
- PSHE/Citizenship
About the pupil workshops
Fun, energetic and cross-curricular, these workshops invite Key Stage 2 pupils to explore plastics through movement, storytelling and visual art. Together, we examine the full story of plastics, from the everyday (LEGO) to the environmental (harm to marine life), drawing on what children already know and feel about recycling and our environment and oceans.
Movement activities are inspired by the South Asian dance form Bharatanatyam, and the visual art element reveals the surprising beauty of plastics at a molecular level. Bringing together science, art and dance, each session leaves schools with a resource pack to develop the themes further.
Workshop SEND adaptations:
-
Storytelling using simple gestures, partner work, use of known/familiar objects. Led by a dance artist with specialist experience working in SEND schools.
Teacher twilight CPD
This practical, teacher-focused CPD builds confidence in using dance as a cross-curricular learning tool. Rooted in the theme of plastics, the programme begins with a reflective session connecting the artistic work to the curriculum: science, geography, English and PSHE. Teachers can take part in an interactive workshop, learning simple movement activities that bring concepts like material properties and environmental impact to life – no prior dance experience required.
The session will provide ready-to-use lesson ideas, supported where possible by in-class co-teaching with an artist. Teachers leave with full resource pack including lesson plans and video prompts.
This CPD can accommodate from 2 to 20 members of staff.
About The Akademi
Akademi make vibrant, fascinating, and meaningful South Asian dance. We use the compelling power of storytelling, rhythm and gestures to create deeper connections with each other and our wider world. Akademi has been the beating heart of South Asian dance in the UK since 1979.
