# Mindful Dance Activity Guide This activity guide is designed to facilitate a series of mindful dance movements that help students become aware of their body, emotions, and the connections between the two. The guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions and reflection prompts to guide the students' experience. ## Activity Overview - **Objective:** Encourage students to explore and express their emotions through movement and dance. - **Duration:** 20 minutes - **Materials Needed:** A clear, open space for movement, comfortable clothing, and a calm environment. ## Activity Instructions ### 1. Introduction & Setup - Gather the students and explain the purpose of the activity: to connect with their emotions and physical sensations by moving their bodies freely in a mindful way. - Remind students that there are no right or wrong moves. This is about expressing feelings and being present with the body. ### 2. Guided Movement Sequence Follow these steps, pausing for reflection as indicated: 1. **Warm-Up Movement:** Begin with a gentle movement to the rhythm of your breath. With your eyes closed, sway side-to-side, feel the weight of your body, and imagine letting go of tension.

2. **Expressive Dance:** Transition into a series of slow, flowing movements: - Stretch your arms wide to invite energy in and then slowly bring them down as if embracing calm. - Turn in a slow circle, noticing how your body feels as it moves in a continuous line. - Experiment with changing the pace: start with slow movements, then gradually build a tempo and then slow it down again.

3. **Reflection Pause:** In the middle of your movement, stop and take a deep breath. Notice any physical sensations or emotions that arise, and hold that feeling for a moment.

4. **Return to Stillness:** Conclude your activity by gradually reducing your movements. Let your body settle naturally into stillness and feel the calm that emerges after the movement. ### 3. Group Reflection and Discussion After the activity, sit as a group and discuss: - What emotions did you notice during the dance? - Were there moments when your body felt more relaxed or energized? - How did slowing down or speeding up your movements change your feelings? - What did you observe about the connection between your movements and emotions? Take time to share your personal experiences. Remind everyone that there is no right or wrong answer, and every experience is valid. ## Follow-Up Points - Encourage students to explore mindful movement in a daily routine, perhaps dedicating a few minutes to dance or stretch mindfully during the day. - Integrate artistic elements by asking students to create a short journal entry or drawing that captures their emotional journey during the activity. - Revisit this activity in later classes to build on the skills of mindfulness and body awareness. Enjoy your dance and embrace the journey of discovery within your movement!

mstallings

1 Lessons

Mindful Movement: Embodied Awareness through Dance

1 Lessons

Mindful Movement: Embodied Awareness through Dance