Chair Choreography

Groups of five create a routine using a chair as a partner: sitting, turning it, circling it, and leaning on it with synchronized moves. Students work on body control, creativity with props, and group timing.

How to play

1. Each student takes a sturdy chair without wheels. For 4 minutes, with music, explore ways to move with it: sitting sideways, circling around it, placing hands or feet on the seat.
2. In groups of 5, set the chairs in a row or semicircle. Each member contributes an 8-count move that everyone learns (6 minutes).
3. Link the five moves into a 40-count phrase and add a ripple, where each person does the move one count after the previous person (6 minutes).
4. Rehearse with music, making sure to start and end in a frozen pose (4 minutes).
5. Final showcase (4 minutes): each group performs and the audience points out the most synchronized moment.
6. Put the chairs back (1 minute).

Rules

• Chairs always stay on all four legs; no tipping or rocking.
• No one stands on a chair.
• Lift chairs to move them; don't drag them.
• Leave about 3 feet between chairs.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: use their own wheelchair with the brakes on as their chair, and the group adapts moves to arms and torso.
• Autism: a fixed spot in the formation and the written sequence taped next to their chair.
• Advanced students: add balance supports with hands on the seat.

Learning goals

• Control the body while moving in relation to a prop.
• Create original moves using the chair as an expressive tool.
• Synchronize a group routine with ripple effects.

Equipment for a class of 25

• chairs: 25
• music

Teacher tip

Check beforehand that the chairs are sturdy and have no wheels. The ripple wows the audience and is easy to pull off, so give groups time to rehearse it.

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