Movement & Dance
Every Body Dances
A creative challenge by Elly Crowther
The Challenge
Every body dances! This challenge is all about discovering the joy of movement in your own unique way. There is no right or wrong way to dance. Whether you move fast or slow, big or small, standing or sitting, your movement is valid and beautiful.
Dance can help us express feelings that are hard to put into words. It can energise us when we feel tired, calm us when we feel anxious, and connect us to our bodies and the world around us.
Movement Activities
Try these gentle activities at your own pace. You can do them sitting, standing, or lying down. Move in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
1. Wake Up Your Body
Start by gently waking up your body. Wiggle your fingers, then your toes. Slowly move the movement up through your body. Can you shake your hands, your arms, your shoulders? Take your time and see how your whole body can come alive with small movements.
2. Follow Your Breath
Close your eyes and take three slow, deep breaths. As you breathe in, imagine your body growing bigger, reaching outward. As you breathe out, let your body soften and relax inward. Let your breath guide your movement. There is no wrong way to do this.
3. Story Dance
Think of a simple story, perhaps about the weather, an animal, or your favourite place. Can you tell that story through movement? If your story is about the wind, how might you move? If it is about a sleepy cat, what movements would you make? Let your imagination guide your body.
4. Mirror Dance
If you have someone to dance with, try this activity. Stand facing each other. One person leads, making slow, gentle movements. The other person mirrors them, copying what they see. Then swap roles. Notice how it feels to lead and to follow.
5. Dance Your Feelings
How are you feeling right now? Happy, sad, calm, excited, worried? Can you show that feeling through movement? You do not need to name the feeling. Just let your body express whatever is inside you. Remember, all feelings are welcome here.
Tips for Moving
- Move at your own pace. There is no rush.
- If something hurts, stop and try a different movement.
- You can dance with your whole body or just one part, like your hands.
- Put on some music you love, or dance in silence.
- Close your eyes if that helps you feel more comfortable.
- Remember: every body is a dancing body!
About Elly Crowther
Elly Crowther is a dance artist and facilitator who believes that dance is for everyone. She has worked with Dancin' Oxford for many years and performs family-friendly dance pieces at festivals including Green Man Festival.
Elly works extensively in schools with children of all ages and abilities, helping young people discover movement and recognise their humanness through stories, themes, improvisation and choreography. During lockdown, she launched Every Body Dances to provide nurturing, transformative dance experiences online.
Elly wholeheartedly believes that dance is for everyone and that every body dances in their own way.
Share Your Dance
Would you like to share your dance experience? You could draw a picture of how dancing made you feel, or write about your favourite movement activity. Ask an adult or carer to submit your response.
Submit Your ResponseChallenge Details
Category: Movement & Dance
Time needed: 15-30 minutes
Materials: Just yourself (and optional music)
Ages: All ages welcome