House:Ed 2013 Miss Ophelia

View the following clips with your students. The dancers and performers in these clips are using movement and
body shape to create the illusions of animals objects and landmarks. The clip from Britain’s Got Talent shows
how the images can create a story.
Dance Theatre Company Pilobolus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYftvseVzuI
Britain’s Got Talent – Shadow Dance Performance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4q2E8Q3ONM
After viewing the performances, discuss with your students how the performers used body shape and
movement to create objects, animals and landmarks.
Ask the class to work in small groups. Each group is to choose one object, animal or image from the clips they
have just seen. Allow time for the groups to work together to create the shape that, in silhouette, would give the
illusion of the object or animal. Try these out using the rear projection screen. Ask the class to help each group
adjust their shape to make the images clearer and more accurate representations.
The clips show many examples of transformation, where one image changes to show a different object or
animal. Working in the same groups, ask your students to work out how they might change from one object or
animal to another in a way that is a smooth transition. You may need to direct the class using an example. Ask
all groups to form an image of a house. Then ask the groups to create an image of trees in a garden. Next ask the
group to work out how they can use their control of movement and timing to change from the house to the trees
over five counts. Ask for volunteers to show their transition using the shadow screen. Ask the class to help the
volunteer groups improve their transition by providing feedback on better ways to make the transitions from
one image to another.
If you are working with older students, you might like to set a group performance task where they either adapt
14 Miss Ophelia Teachers Resource Notes