Movement Translators: The Same Phrase in Another Body

The group learns a short choreographic phrase and then “translates” it into other conditions: upper body only, on the floor, eyes closed or with one hand. It is an inclusive dance tool so that any class choreography can have accessible versions without losing its essence.

How to play

1. The teacher teaches a 16-count phrase with traveling, a turn, a soft jump and a final gesture (5 min).
2. Groups of four draw a card with a translation condition (torso and arms only, floor level, no traveling, one hand only, eyes closed with a guide) (2 min).
3. Each group translates the phrase while keeping the rhythm, direction and intent of each movement, and writes on the card how they solved each step (8 min).
4. Simultaneous showing: the original phrase and two translations at once, at the same tempo, to see that it is still the same dance (6 min).
5. Discussion: which movements were hardest to translate and what to keep in mind when creating choreography for everyone (4 min).

Rules

• In the eyes-closed condition there is always a guide alongside and no traveling.
• The translation must keep the same number of counts as the original phrase.
• The goal is not who does it best, but which translation keeps the most intent.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: advises the group working on the torso-and-arms-only condition and approves its result.
• Hearing impairment: the phrase is taught with a visual finger count and the written cards are shown.
• Ankle or knee injury: chooses the floor-level or no-traveling condition.

Learning goals

• Adapt a choreographic phrase to different motor abilities without losing its intent.
• Develop criteria for creating accessible choreography.
• Reflect on inclusion in artistic movement practices.

Equipment for a class of 25

• speaker: 1
• worksheets: 8

Teacher tip

Keep the translation cards: they become a bank of adaptations for the end-of-term choreographies.

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