Warm Up

10 minutes

Welcome

• Hello! Begin seated in a circle. Introduce yourself, welcome each dancer, begin to learn each participants’ name and use them throughout the activity.

Scripture – Exodus 14:13-14

• (Context – The Israelites just fled Egypt and Pharaoh’s army is in view as they camped at the Red Sea) 
• “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.
• “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
  • Refer to the continuing trials and journey of the Israelites as a pattern of murmuring, asking Moses to ask God, and God delivering them. (Exodus 15:24, “What shall we drink?” bitter water made sweet. Exodus 16, manna from heaven, etc.)
• Think about this scripture as we dance today and we’ll talk about it more after we move a bit.

16-8-4-2-1 Warm Up

• Dancers warm up their bodies by moving through the space in this pattern: run, melt, stretch, grow. Do each action for 16 counts, then 8 counts, then 4 counts, then two counts, and, for advanced movers, 1 count each. Spend as much time on each duration as needed before moving to the shorter duration, challenging dancers while not overwhelming them.

Discuss – Which way of moving felt more creative for you, fast (1 or 2 counts each) or slow rhythm (8 or 16 counts)? Why?

Explore Concept

20 minutes

Echo Shapes

• Lead dancers in echoing. Move, clap, or sing a 4-count measure; then dancers repeat after you as an echo in rhythm. Repeat this call and response several times until they feel confident in the echoing.
• Partner up and mirror with echoing shapes. One partner leads, moving 4 counts and then holding 4 counts. Second partner echos, holding 4 counts and then copying the leader’s movement in rhythm 4 counts.
• Switch leaders. 

Discuss – Did they prefer leading or following? What was challenging about each?

Blindfold Leading Patterns

• Change partners and give each partnership a blindfold. Instruct dancers to take care of each other, watch out for others, and communicate clearly with touch or words as appropriate. 
• Following a new pattern, one partner leads the blindfolded partner around the room repeating the pattern several times. Do a simple pattern, such as “walk, roll, walk, run” that can be repeated easily and with variation depending on comfort level and experience of dancers.
• Switch roles and repeat.

Discuss – How was this experience similar to or different from the other patterning we’ve experienced today?

Create

10 minutes

Cinquain Dance

• Either as a group or individually write a cinquain poem (a common rule set is outlined below) about rhythm or patterns. Then use your poem/s to inspire movement as a group or individually to create a Cinquain Dance.

• Perform Cinquain Dances for each other in groups if using the same poem, or as individuals if using individual poems.

Cool Down

5 minutes

Stretch and Discuss Connections

• Gather and sit in a circle. Encourage dancers to stretch while discussing the questions or lead them in a stretch while discussing together. Here are some question ideas:

• How did moving today relate to the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
• What new insights did exploring patterns bring?
• Reread the scripture – Exodus 14:13-14
  • “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will shew to you today…
  • “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
• What rhythms have you noticed in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ today? How can we use patterns and rhythms in our life and in the scriptures to bring us closer to God?