Movement
Introduction
Thank you for being willing to move your bodies in new ways with us, the benefits are worth it! Your brain develops in new ways, your creativity is sparked, and your body loves it! Just remember there is no right or wrong way to do what we will suggest, and you do what you are able to do. Take care of yourself if you have an injury. If you can't do some of the things you see us doing, do your own version. Keep appreciating yourself, stay open and curious, keep finding ways to play and have fun! When you are having fun you are learning!
Just Us Alternating Shapes.mp4Series 1
In this series we will explore creating some spontaneous movement. Spontaneous or unexpected movement makes you smarter and happier and wakes up your creativity. We explore shaking everything up, responding to others movements, and learn a simple, yet effective reset tool.
● Shaking Body Parts
● Alternating Shapes
● Hand on Heart
Just Us Move, Freeze, Texture.mp4Series 2
In this series we will continue to explore spontaneous and unexpected movement with different games. We explore body rhythm, moving with different qualities to a variety of music, and continuous flow stretching.
● Go Do Go-Body rhythm
● Freeze Dance Variation
● Do What I Do
Just Us Body Parts.mp4Series 3
In this series we will practice movement initiated from different body parts and explore shapes of everyday objects and moving with different qualities. We will finish with an appreciation practice.
● Transformer Shapes
● Leading with Body Parts
● Appreciations
Just Us Everyday Gestures.mp4Series 4
In this series we will explore being comfortable being off balance and coming back to your two feet; take variations on everyday gestures/movements; and learn how to catch happiness.
● Off Balance
● Every Day Gesture (Opposites)
● Catching Happiness
Description of individual exercises:
Shaking Body Parts
When we feel stuck, shaking our body is a great way to release energy and bring ourselves back to the present. When animals in the wild or your pets feel stressed they shake it off.
Alternating Shapes
It’s really important to move spontaneously or unexpectedly, and the easiest way to do that is to follow someone elses prompts. In this game, we will explore different movements by responding to the instructor’s shapes.
Hand on Heart
If you ever feel anxious or frazzled, placing your hand on your heart for a few breaths is an excellent way to relax and calm down.
Go Do Go (Body Rhythm)
Making rhythmic patterns engages our brain and body at the same time, helping us focus and become part of a group. Rhythms help to make connections between the upper, lower, right and left hemispheres of our brain. These patterns can also be incorporated into polyrhythms.
Freeze Dance Variation
In this spin on Freeze Dance, we will move however we want, then freeze. You can be inspired by anyone on the screen or do your own thing.
Do What I Do (Slow, Stretching Movement)
By moving and stretching slowly, we come back to our center and are ready to move forward.
Transformer Shapes
Exploring shapes of everyday objects allows us to be inspired by the environment around us. Moving with different qualities into a new shape draws attention to the transitions between each shape.
Leading with Body Parts
Letting one body part at a time guide our movement we explore the space around us. Do anything that would feel good or be fun for you!
Appreciations
What you appreciate in others is also in you.
Off Balance
Things are changing all the time. It's important to be able to manage constant change and be able to come back to being grounded. This game explores being safely off balance and coming back to your own two feet.
Everyday Gestures (Opposites)
To get our creativity flowing, we’ll play with gestures we make every day and exaggerate or minimize them to get something new.
Catching Happiness
To overcome the negativity bias that has kept us safe throughout history we will “catch” happy moments and hold onto them, for at least 20 seconds, to overcome that bias and create new neural pathways of positivity.
To learn more about Turning the Wheel and the Wilmington Staff visit our webpage: