Diamond Dance

Create an original group dance by imitating the movements of a constantly-changing leader!

Learning Goals

• Come Up with Ideas and try Them Out
• Learn to Collaborate

Materials Required

• Four people (this activity could also be adapted to work with three in a triangle shape, or even with two taking turns)
• Music and music system

Instructions

Standing in a diamond shape, the dancer at the top “point” of the diamond in front of everyone else is always the leader, but there’s a twist: when the leader turns (either right or left), someone else will be at the top point and get to start leading the dance moves!

• Before beginning the dance, “warm-up” as a group. Choose a leader to perform simple and repetitive dance moves, while the other dancers imitate their actions.
• As a group of four, stand in a diamond shape. The dancer at the top “point” of the diamond in front of everyone else is the leader. The leader performs simple dance moves (waving hands in the air, jumping, clapping, etc.) while the rest of the dancers imitate the moves. Remember, the leader is the person in front of all the other dancers. Practice without music before starting the dance.
• Practice switching leaders. When the leader turns (either to the right or left), the person now standing at the top “point” of the diamond takes on the leadership role. Try rotating around the diamond a few times to practice working as a team.
• Turn on the music and get dancing! Start with a song that has a slow, steady beat and work up to faster-paced songs that will really challenge the group.

Extend the Activity

• Designate one person as the DJ. The DJ can pause the music at any time, and the dancers must immediately freeze! Or, the DJ can switch to a new song and challenge the dancers to adjust to the new beat.
• Increase the number of people in the group. Be sure to keep the same, clearly defined four points, and add people to the middle of the diamond.

Tips for Adults

• As your child gets more practice with this activity, they will understand how difficult it is to spontaneously imitate someone else’s movements. Improvisation through mimicry allows participants to empathize with the individual they are imitating. Empathy encourages us to understand other perspectives, which can increase creativity.
• This activity promotes healthy risk-taking through the openness to experience (i.e., being open-minded). Being silly will also certainly increase creative expression!