By passing through the "Dynamic Door", children practise self-expression, imagination and presence in a fun, ritualised way.
1. Create a door
Ask two adults to stand facing each other to create a "door". This can be done by holding hands, extending arms, or forming an arch.
Explain that the Dynamic Door will only open if a child introduces themselves using a dynamic word.
2. Give examples of dynamic words
Demonstrate with examples such as:
Explain that the word can start with the same letter as their name, but it does not have to.
Emphasise that they must use a big, loud, confident voice.
3. Journey through the door
Line the children up. When the music starts, each child walks up to the door, introduces themselves, and once the introduction is delivered clearly and confidently, the teachers release their hands in a "magic hands" style to let the child through.
Continue until all children have passed through the Dynamic Door.
Model enthusiasm and commitment so children feel safe to be bold. Celebrate effort and volume rather than perfection of wording. This activity works particularly well as an energising start to a session or a transition into performance work.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
