Site-Specific Dance Performance Around Campus
Each group chooses a spot on campus (a staircase, a railing, a bench in the schoolyard) and creates a short dance piece that only makes sense in that place. It builds composition from space, creativity, and performing for a traveling audience.
How to play
- Explain in 3 minutes what site-specific dance is: the space isn't a backdrop, it suggests the movement (climbing, leaning, hiding, repeating lines).
- Form 5 groups of 5. Each group picks a teacher-approved spot on campus and goes there.
- In 5 minutes, the group explores the site: each member suggests three moves inspired by its shapes, textures, or uses.
- For 10 minutes, the group composes a 60–90 second piece with a clear beginning and ending, using at least two levels and one unison moment.
- Tour: the whole class visits each site as a traveling audience. Each group performs when the audience arrives and then joins it (about 10 minutes total).
- Back in the gym, discuss for 2 minutes which site changed the way you moved the most and why.
Rules
- Use only teacher-approved sites, without disturbing other classes.
- On stairs and railings, no climbing or jumping, and always keep a foot or hand for support.
- The audience stays quiet and respects the distance each group sets.
- Take care of the space: don't move furniture or leave a mess.
Variations
Easier
All groups work in the schoolyard, each choosing a different feature of the same space.
Standard
Each group picks a different spot on campus and creates a 60–90 second piece.
Harder
Link the pieces into one continuous tour with moving transitions between sites.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: choose accessible sites and use ramps, walls, and smooth floors in the piece.
- Autism: preview the route with a map and avoid noisy or crowded spots.
- Shyness: the student can take part in unison sections without a solo moment.
Learning goals
- Compose a dance piece based on the features of a real space.
- Use levels, unison, and interaction with objects as choreographic tools.
- Perform a piece for an audience outside the usual classroom.
Teacher tip
Walk the possible sites beforehand and give a fixed list to rule out unsafe areas. Let the front office and nearby teachers know so the performances don't interrupt classes.
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