Objective:

This exercise develops ensemble awareness, spatial sensitivity, and the ability to respond dynamically to the group. It builds trust, connection, and the foundation for movement-based storytelling through simple pedestrian action.

Instructions:

Each participant enters the space one at a time, engaging with the environment at their own pace.

They may choose to stand, sit, lie down, walk, or pause.

Movements should remain pedestrian and natural, with no need for theatricality or exaggeration.

As the exercise progresses, participants focus on spatial relationships—how they exist in the space alone and in relation to others.

They begin to notice distance, proximity, and how their choices influence the energy of the room.

Objective:

Develop collective movement and group cohesion.

Instructions:

Have the ensemble stand in a loose formation, all facing the same direction.

The person at the front becomes the leader, initiating movements (e.g., walking patterns, arm gestures, or changes in tempo).

The rest of the group follows the leader, mimicking their movements as precisely as possible.

After a short time, someone else naturally assumes the leadership role by stepping forward or changing direction. The group shifts to follow the new leader.

Encourage seamless transitions and a sense of "reading" the group's energy.

Objective:
This exercise sharpens spatial awareness, deepens partner connection, and encourages dynamic movement exploration. Dancers learn to navigate the negative space around their partner with precision, intention, and heightened sensitivity to proximity.

Instructions:

Dancers are paired and given the task of traveling through the space together while exploring the negative space around each other’s bodies.

The goal is to get as close as possible without making physical contact. This requires constant adjustment, control, and attunement to subtle shifts in their partner’s movement.

Movements can be slow and sustained or sharp and reactive, depending on the desired energy of the exercise.

Partners should remain in a continuous state of awareness, responding to each other’s choices in real time.

Encourage exploration of different levels (floor work, mid-level, standing), tempos, and pathways to challenge coordination and adaptability.iption

Objective:
This exercise develops ensemble awareness, spatial relationships, and physical storytelling by constructing and deconstructing collective shapes. It encourages creativity, connection, and responsiveness while fostering a shared movement language.

Instructions:

One participant enters the space and forms a strong, distinct shape with their body—the "foundation" of the monument.

One by one, additional participants enter, each physically adding to or responding to the existing shape in a connected and intentional way.

The group continues building until all participants are involved, forming a cohesive, sculptural monument.

Once the monument is complete, the group allows the structure to melt and dissolve, gradually shifting out of their positions in an organic and fluid way.

The process is repeated in another part of the room, with participants exploring new shapes and connections.

Objective:
This exercise fosters ensemble awareness, spatial relationships, and creative physical storytelling by building a collective shape through sequential movement. It encourages responsiveness, collaboration, and non-verbal communication among participants.

Instructions:
One person begins by entering the space and striking a distinct shape with their body. This could be dynamic, abstract, or character-driven, depending on the goal of the exercise.

The next person joins by positioning themselves in front of the previous person, making a physical connection (direct or spatial).

Each subsequent participant continues the process, always positioning themselves at the front of the formation and maintaining a relationship to the growing shape.

Once a participant reaches the front, they are ‘frozen’ in place and can no longer move from their spot.

The exercise continues until all participants have joined, creating a final, unified ensemble structure.

Objective:
This exercise creates a shared movement vocabulary, useful for developing a collective backstory, deepening ensemble connection, and fostering improvisational skills. Through structured movement exchange, participants build a physical dialogue that strengthens spatial awareness, memory, and responsiveness.

Instructions

Participants work in pairs or small groups. They take turns contributing one movement at a time to create a contact-based sequence, or "handshake."

The first person initiates with a simple gesture.

The second person responds with a new movement that connects to or follows from the first.

This pattern continues in a set order, with each participant adding a movement until a full handshake sequence is built.

Once the sequence is established, participants repeat it several times to solidify the rhythm, flow, and execution.