Exhibits you can dance with
Connect
Dance is happening all around us. We can think of each movement made as dance, whether or not there is music. Dance can be inspired by patterns of people moving around the museum or the way someone moves his or her body while experimenting with an exhibit.
Consider
- Why do you think dancers focus their gaze on stationary objects when they are trying to keep their balance?
- Do you feel you are using your body or mind more when you are thinking about balancing, posing, and performing? Or are they the same?
- How does it make you feel to perform? Do you get stage fright or do you enjoy being the center of attention?
Exhibit: Push Over
In the Seeing section in the back of the museum
Try It!
Focus your eyes on a stationary object while you stand on one foot and try to balance. Now stand in front of the board and find your balance on one foot. When you are ready, push the board and try to stand still on that one foot. Repeat everything on the other foot.
Exhibit: Antigravity Mirror
Along the wall near the café
Try It!
Dancers often watch themselves carefully in a mirror while they practice. Here you may be surprised with your reflection. Step onto the platform and line up your body vertically so exactly half is visible and half is reflected. See if you can practice any new moves you can’t pull off in a regular mirror.
Exhibit: Shadow Box
In the Seeing section in the back of the museum
Try It!
Get ready to strike a pose as the timer counts down. There’s no mirror at this exhibit, so you need to feel how you look. FLASH! Check out your shadow and compare it to how you imagined it would look.
Exhibit: Colored Shadows
Along the wall near the restrooms
Try It!
Now you’re ready to perform! Step into the spotlights and bust a move. You can interact with your shadows as they become your backup dancers.
