Our Class Dance: One Move from Everyone in the Circle

In circles of five or six, each student contributes a four-count move and the group links them into their own circle dance. At the end the circles come together and the class has one dance with everyone's mark on it.

How to play

1. In circles of five or six, brainstorm: each student tries a four-count move that works in a circle (4 min).
2. Build it up: the first student teaches their move and everyone repeats it; add the second and repeat both, and so on to the last (8 min).
3. Write the sequence on a sheet with simple drawings and practice it to music (5 min).
4. Each circle teaches two of its moves to the rest of the class (5 min).
5. Final dance with the whole class in one big circle using the chosen moves (3 min).

Rules

• Every move must be doable by everyone in the circle.
• No moves that imitate or mock anyone or any culture.
• The idea counts, not perfection.
• If you're stuck, pick a step from the teacher's card.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: their move can use arms or upper body, and the circle adapts so everyone can do it.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the circle counts beats on their fingers.
• Students with memory difficulties: they write and hold the sequence sheet.

Learning goals

• Create your own move and teach it to the group.
• Memorize and link a group sequence.
• Build a shared dance where every contribution counts.

Equipment for a class of 25

• speaker: 1
• paper sheets: 5
• markers: 5

Teacher tip

Bring a card with step ideas (grapevine, clap and turn, step into the center) for anyone who freezes. Common problem: moves that don't fit four counts; have them count out loud while creating.

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