Orchestra Exercise
A dance exercise that challenges creativity, imagination, and the ability to follow others' movements.
- 14+ years
- Group size: 4+
- Duration: 15 min
- Dance
- Mountains, forests and fields
- Indoor
- Gym / Sports hall
- Open space
- Music
This exercise is similar to mirror exercises. One student acts as the 'conductor' and stands in front of the rest of the group, which then becomes an 'orchestra'. The conductor uses their entire body to make slow movements that the orchestra must follow. Encourage students to be as similar to the conductor as possible. Calm and moderately fast movements work well.
This is a great exercise for learning dance. Students get to try out others' movements while being part of a group. Feel free to use music with clear variations that can inspire the conductor to create different shapes and movements.
Feel free to alternate who is the conductor, but avoid pressuring anyone to take on the role. If the exercise is done multiple times, many will eventually want to try.
Variation
A variation of the exercise is for the conductor to use only their arms, hands, and fingers, much like a real conductor does in front of an orchestra. The orchestra should then interpret these movements and translate them into full-body movements.