Body Alphabet: Your Name Solo
Each student turns the letters of their name into movements traced in the air with different body parts, links them into a solo, and then transforms it in size, level, and speed. Students work on creativity, body awareness, and basic composition tools.
How to play
- Each student writes their name in the air with a finger, then with the elbow, knee, head, and hip, as big as possible (3 minutes).
- Pick up to 5 letters from your name and give each one a different body part and a size (tiny, normal, or huge); this creates 5 moves (5 minutes).
- Link the letters with transitions and use at least three levels: floor, middle, and high. The solo lasts about 30 counts (4 minutes).
- In pairs, each partner teaches their solo to the other, and they build a duet alternating letters: one from A, one from B, and the last one together (4 minutes).
- Half the class performs their duets to music while the other half tries to guess a letter or name, then switch (4 minutes).
Rules
- Keep at least 6 feet of space around you for big traces.
- Floor letters use safe support, with no sudden drops.
- Nicknames or initials are fine if someone doesn't want to show their name.
- Respect everyone's work during the showing; no teasing.
Variations
Easier
Use only your initials with a single body part.
Standard
A 5-letter solo using different body parts and levels, turned into a duet.
Harder
The duet adds a speed change: one letter in slow motion and another at double time.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: trace letters with arms, head, and torso, and change levels by changing arm height.
- Students with autism or shy students: use a chosen word instead of their name and show it only to their partner.
- Fitness level: students who tire can work with small letters in place.
Learning goals
- Turn a verbal prompt into creative movement.
- Use different body parts, sizes, and levels in a composition.
- Adapt and combine your own material with a partner's.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music
- portable speaker: 1
Teacher tip
Students tend to draw everything with the hand, so require a new body part for each letter. This is a great way to kick off a longer choreography project.
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