Body Language & Facial Expression
The game I play with the students shows them that they already know, intuitively, how to read body language and facial expression. I have the students sit in a circle. I separate all of the friends first, and then each student must say one non-superficial thing (i.e.-pretty hair, nice clothes, etc...) that they notice about each student sitting in the circle. I put suggested words/phrases that they can use on the mirror. Examples: friendly, helpful, nice to everyone, good sense of humor, kind, positive attitude, good leader, an inspiration, sweet, fun to be with, and whatever else you can come up with. The students always feel better about themselves, and each other, after this game. This game strengthens each individual and also strengthens them as a dance team.
The game I play with the students shows them that they already know, intuitively, how to read body language and facial expression. I have the students sit in a circle. I separate all of the friends first, and then each student must say one non-superficial thing (i.e.-pretty hair, nice clothes, etc...) that they notice about each student sitting in the circle. I put suggested words/phrases that they can use on the mirror. Examples: friendly, helpful, nice to everyone, good sense of humor, kind, positive attitude, good leader, an inspiration, sweet, fun to be with, and whatever else you can come up with. The students always feel better about themselves, and each other, after this game. This game strengthens each individual and also strengthens them as a dance team.
'WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU'
I write several 'moods' on index cards. (Example: happy, sad, angry, surprised, confused, etc...). The students sit on the floor with the cards, face down, in front of them. I usually start the game. I look at the cards and pick a mood. (The cards remain on the floor in front of the students.) I leave the room and shut the door behind me. I then get myself into the mood that I choose, and walk back in the studio, displaying that mood. The students then have to guess what mood I am in by just reading my body language and facial expression. They will usually get it correct right away. They are always surprised that they can read moods so easily. I then ask them, "When you come home from school, and your mom is feeling angry, can you sense it right away"? They laugh and nod. "What about your best friend? If she walked into the studio right now feeling happy, would you know that she was feeling happy and not sad?" The answer is always a resounding, "Yes"! Remind the dancers that they are coming up with their answers intuitively. As developing artists, trusting one's own intuition is vital. True inspiration always comes through the intuitive mind, not the thinking mind.
That's it! The beginning. Ask if one of the students wants to try being the 'mood demonstrator'. If not, you'll need to do it again. Your students will enjoy this game. It's a great break from a regular, technical class and they are still learning extremely important dance related lessons, too. (At first, always ask for volunteers to demonstrate . Some students will feel very shy doing these 'non-dance' lessons. Let those students do the group exercises until they are ready to stand in front of the class on their own.)
Play this game until your outgoing students feel comfortable being 'mood demonstrators'. Now, you are ready to move onto lesson 2!
That's it! The beginning. Ask if one of the students wants to try being the 'mood demonstrator'. If not, you'll need to do it again. Your students will enjoy this game. It's a great break from a regular, technical class and they are still learning extremely important dance related lessons, too. (At first, always ask for volunteers to demonstrate . Some students will feel very shy doing these 'non-dance' lessons. Let those students do the group exercises until they are ready to stand in front of the class on their own.)
Play this game until your outgoing students feel comfortable being 'mood demonstrators'. Now, you are ready to move onto lesson 2!
