Shadow Dancers

Educators can use this activity to explore light, shadow and imaginative play through movement.

Materials Needed: pre-cut shapes (circles, triangles, squares, etc.), flashlights (one per pair of students), open wall space or a screen for shadow projection

1. Gather students around a wall or screen and dim the lights. Shine your flashlight on one or two shapes and ask students to observe and comment on the shadows being projected. Encourage them to imagine what each shape could represent (i.e., a circle becomes a planet, the tip of a triangle becomes a mountain, etc.).
2. Invite a few volunteers to step into the light and interact with the shapes, imagining creative ways the shape and the student’s shadow might connect or disconnect to tell a story or create an image.
3. Organize students into groups of three, designating them as “A,” “B” and “C.” Ask each group to select a shape to work with. A’s job will be to hold the flashlight, B’s job is to hold the shape and C will explore different ways their body can interact with the projected shadow of the shape.
4. Encourage C’s to experiment with gestures and movements that interact with the shadow. Suggest that they explore various angles, distances and ways of moving around the shape, using gestures or fluid movements to create a dance. A’s and B’s can also play with scale by moving the flashlight or shape closer and farther from the shape to create dynamic shadows for C’s to respond to.
5. Give time for each pair to develop their movements into a short dance sequence between C’s and the projected shape. As students become more comfortable, encourage them to focus on a specific theme or story they want to convey through their dance.
6. After practicing, ask partners to switch roles. Encourage new ideas and let them explore fresh interactions with the shape.
7. Finally, invite a few pairs to share their dance sequence for the class.

Reflection Questions:

• What story or feeling did you try to convey with your movements?
• How did switching roles change the experience for you?
• What surprised you about working with light, shadow and movement?