Levels - use a theme from class to explore shapes on different levels.

In groups make 4 distinct objects; eg cars, bi-planes, the Opera House, a pyramid, a butterfly, buildings, animals etc.

Ensure that the students can recreate exactly the shape and know where their individual position in the group is:

• Move from one shape to another in 8 counts, 4 counts, 2 counts.

• Change the number of students in each group: start with 2, then 3, 4 and so on, to develop their teamwork skills. 

Create 5 different ways a commando might move through a jungle; for example:

1. crawl through mud

2. roll under heavy logs

3. swing from branch to branch

4. cut down vines with a knife

5. jump over logs floating on a piranha infested river.

•  Combine movements with a friend and copy movements exactly in unison, make sure you are exactly the same.

• Travel each movement to a different place in the space.

• At the end of each line of the commando phrase create a frozen commando image and hold for 8 counts.

Each pair to perform their sequence to the class.

In groups of 4 ask students to create 4 movements that are like a machine/robot; for example: chopping, stamping, turning/stirring, pounding.

Always remember to tell students that their movements need to look like a machine - brainstorm what a machine looks like and how it moves - linear, sharp, metal - this will help determine the movement dynamics.

• In a line of 4, students then perform each movement in a canon down the line.

• Students then create a phrase that incorporates all movements including canon, repetition and unison.

• Students asked to travel their machine to different locations in the space.

Draw a series of maps - either ask students to or create yourself for the students.  Create a theme for each map - for example: jungle, under the sea, astronauts in space, in the garden, over the rainbow.

On each map include 4 long lines of different shapes and 4 spots including one at the beginning and one at the end.

Students are asked in groups of 4 to follow the map in the space.

Based on a theme of teacher or student choice create new movement for each of the lines of the map. For example: in the garden - leap over the mushrooms, roll in the grass, wade through the pond, twirl under the tree.

Collect a number of images from the newspaper over a couple of weeks, and cut them out. 

• In groups recreate the images from the photos as freeze frames/photographs, make sure every detail is exact including body position, gestures and facial expressions.

• Change from one freeze frame to another using slow motion over 32 counts.

• Using motifs representative of the image, over 16 counts travel from one freeze frame photograph to another covering four points of the room.

In pairs create a short 16 count phrase 

Ask for one arm/arms movement, one leg/legs movement, floor work, roll of a body part, jump, turn, torso, isolation. These can be performed in any order.

Manipulation of a phrase 

• Add elements; change of direction with every movement, turn, repeat and reverse. 

• Placing it in a group - stillness, unison, canon, use of space. Perform the finished product in small groups.

• Combine all groups together as a whole.

Part 1: Create a walking phrase spelling out your name. Change direction on each letter, and vary the way you walk. For example; backwards, sideways, jumping, sliding - be imaginative.

For example:

• P - walk forward

• E - step sideways 

• T - walk backwards

• E - kangaroo jumps 

• R - sliding like ice skating 

Make sure you create all lines in the letter.

Part 2: With a newspaper create a number of ways people might use a newspaper. For example: read it, fold it, use it to cover you from the rain, slam it shut, screw it up. 

Create 4 gestures that you believe are the most honest representation of 4 facets of your personality: happy, sad, outgoing/extrovert, shy/insecure, awkward.

• Place them in a 16 count sequence, where you hit each pose and hold for 4 counts.

• Combine this with a group of 4 other students.

• Manipulate the gestures to tell a story between the different characters.

Embellishment: embellish each gesture, making the gesture larger, over-exaggerated and slower, making it faster or slower. adding other body parts, performing 2 gestures at once, and so on.

Add levels, change of direction and height to each gesture to create an interesting group scene.