Newspaper Dance
Each pair dances freely around its sheet of newspaper, and when the music stops both partners must stand on it. After each stop the sheet is folded in half, and pairs must find ways to fit. Students work on cooperation, balance and handling frustration.
How to play
- Pairs get a double sheet of newspaper opened on the floor, 6 feet from other pairs (1 min).
- With music, pairs dance around the sheet without stepping on it, changing style when you call it: fast, slow motion, robots (2 min).
- When the music stops, both partners get on the sheet within five seconds and hold still while you count to three (1 min).
- If they make it, they fold the sheet in half; if not, they retry with the same sheet and are never out (6 min, about 6 rounds).
- Once the sheet is tiny, creative solutions are allowed: one foot each or a hug, but no lifting (3 min).
- Each pair counts its folds and shares the trick that worked best (2 min).
Rules
- Nobody lifts or carries a partner: you may only hold hands, waists or shoulders.
- If the sheet tears, the pair puts the pieces together and keeps playing.
- There is no elimination: a pair that misses tries again with the same sheet.
Variations
Easier
Use double sheets, fold only every other round, and give ten seconds to get on.
Standard
Fold after every successful stop and give five seconds to get on.
Harder
Use groups of four on one sheet and add a required pose, such as one hand in the air.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair places the front wheels on the sheet while the partner puts their feet on it.
- Shyness or autism: let the student choose a trusted partner and explain the no-elimination rule ahead of time to lower anxiety.
- Balance: a student who struggles can rest a hand on the partner's back during the count of three.
Learning goals
- Solve an increasingly hard space challenge with a partner.
- Hold a shared static balance for a few seconds.
- Accept mistakes and try again with a positive attitude.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music: 1
- newspaper: 20
Teacher tip
Collect newspapers ahead of time and keep spare sheets, because they tear. Watch for students trying to carry partners and repeat the rule before each stop after the third fold.
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