Props Cypher: One Move and One Specific Compliment

A circle cool-down with soft music: the person in the middle does one slow move from the session, and the next person gives them 'props', a specific shout-out, before stepping in. It winds down a dance session and reinforces the cypher's culture of respect.

How to play

1. Wide circle with slow, quiet music; explain what props are and why they need to be specific (1 min).
2. Round: each person steps in, does one slow move from the session for eight counts and steps out; the next person first gives a specific compliment on what they saw (4 min).
3. Group props: everyone names out loud one moment from another team they liked today (1 min).
4. Final stretch in the circle while two volunteers sum up what the class learned (2 min).

Rules

• Props must name something you could see ('your freeze at the end was really clean'), never someone's body or clothes.
• Slow moves only, no jumps.
• Anyone who doesn't want to step in can pass and just give props.
• Listen quietly while someone else is talking.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: rolls into the center and does the move with arms and torso.
• Deaf students: the circle uses the visual applause sign (hands raised and shaking) and an interpreter or whiteboard for the props.
• Students with social anxiety: write the compliment on paper and the teacher reads it.

Learning goals

• Lower intensity with slow movement.
• Give specific, respectful recognition.
• Reinforce the cypher's culture of respect.

Equipment for a class of 25

• speaker: 1

Teacher tip

This works as a closer for any urban dance session. Common mistake: empty props like 'nice', so ask them to try again until they name something visible.

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