This activity helps develop emotional awareness, musical sensitivity and confidence in moving freely without judgment or rules about "right" or "wrong" moves.
This game supports emotional awareness and encourages each child to express themselves in their own unique way.
1. Start with listening
Ask the children to sit in a circle. Play a short piece of music and ask: "How does this music make you feel?"
Discuss a few ideas, such as happy, sleepy, excited and curious.
2. Move without planning
Say to the group, "When you're ready, stand up and let your body move how it wants. There's no wrong way. Everyone will move differently and that's amazing."
3. Begin the movement
Play the music again and let the children move freely around the room, reacting instinctively.
4. Repeat with new pieces
Use 4-5 different music tracks, each lasting around 30 seconds to 1 minute. Choose a mix of styles and moods, such as fast, slow, bouncy, gentle, spooky and joyful.
5. Reflect and share
After each piece, ask: "What did you feel?" and "How did your body want to move?"
This is one of the most moving and powerful games we play. Watching children express how they feel through music, with no pressure or steps to follow, is always magical.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
