It builds trust through controlled physical contact, reflecting the trust performers need when staging lifts, tableaux or partnered movement.
1. Find a partner
Ask the children to find a partner. Partners then stand facing each other and hold both hands.
2. Balance
Explain that they will gently lean back, sharing their weight evenly, keeping arms straight and feet grounded.
Once balanced, partners can experiment with small movements such as bending knees together or taking tiny steps sideways.
3. Swap and repeat
After a short time, partners carefully return to standing upright. Swap partners if appropriate and repeat.
Demonstrate clearly before beginning. Stress that movements must be slow and controlled at all times. Use this exercise to discuss how trust allows performers to commit fully to physical choices on stage.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
