Mediating Ball: Contact Through a Foam Ball

Duets move while keeping a foam ball trapped between two of their body parts, so the ball becomes the contact point without the bodies touching directly. It is a way into contact improvisation for students who do not want direct contact, and it builds listening to the partner's movement.

How to play

1. In pairs, hold the ball between the palms and move around the room without dropping it, taking turns leading (4 min).
2. Move the ball to a new spot without using the hands: palm to forearm, forearm to shoulder, shoulder to back (5 min).
3. Improv to music: the duet goes up and down levels and turns without losing the ball, with no fixed leader (5 min).
4. Two duets join, add a second ball and create a four-person shape that transforms three times; show it to the class (6 min).

Rules

• The ball is never placed at the head, neck, chest or hips.
• If the ball drops, stop, pick it up and start again with no blame.
• Level changes are slow, and no one leans their weight on their partner.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the partner works facing the wheelchair and the ball stays between palms or forearms.
• Visual impairment: the ball is an excellent reference; add a work area marked out with mats.
• Autism or aversion to touch: the ball avoids direct contact and the student may choose a trusted partner.

Learning goals

• Develop listening to a partner's movement through an object.
• Experience contact improvisation principles without direct contact.
• Compose group shapes that keep transforming.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 20
• speaker: 1

Teacher tip

Foam balls of 6 to 8 inches work better than rubber ones, which slip. This is a good session before any direct-contact work.

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