Stick Duets: Connected by a Dowel
In pairs, students hold a dowel between their palms, one end each, and move without letting it drop: leading, following, changing levels, and turning. Students work on body listening, nonverbal communication, and composing a duet with an object.
How to play
- In pairs, hold a dowel horizontally between each partner's right palm at chest height, using pressure only, without gripping. Walk around the space without dropping it (3 minutes).
- Lead and follow: A directs the travel (forward, backward, turns) and B follows while keeping the pressure; switch on the whistle (4 minutes).
- Levels: the pair lowers down to sitting on the floor and stands back up without losing the dowel, in 8 counts (4 minutes).
- Shared lead: nobody is in charge; the pair moves in silence and leadership shifts naturally (3 minutes).
- Each pair composes a 32-count duet with three levels, a turn by both partners, and a hand switch, set to music (5 minutes).
- Half the class performs while the other half watches for flow and the most connected moments, then switch (3 minutes).
Rules
- The dowel stays horizontal and below head height at all times.
- Keep at least 10 feet between pairs so dowels don't cross.
- If the dowel drops, pick it up, reset, and continue; never throw it.
Variations
Easier
Hold the dowel with the fingertips, not just the palm, and skip level changes.
Standard
A 32-count duet with levels, a turn, and a hand switch, using palm pressure only.
Harder
Work in trios with two dowels, so the middle person connects to both partners at once.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student in a wheelchair holds the dowel at chest height while the partner creates level changes around them.
- Visual impairment: the dowel carries the partner's information, which makes this very accessible; add verbal cues at the beginning.
- Shy students: the object between partners avoids direct contact and reduces embarrassment.
Learning goals
- Communicate with a partner through pressure and body listening.
- Switch between leading, following, and sharing the lead.
- Compose a duet with an object that connects both dancers.
Equipment for a class of 25
- dowels: 13
- music
- portable speaker: 1
Teacher tip
The dowel drops a lot at first because students press too hard or too little; ask for the pressure of holding a sheet of paper against a wall. Check dowels for splinters.
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