'Yes... And...' - The Art of Improvisation

I was recently listening to a radio interview featuring a well-known comedy actor. The interviewer asked the secret of good improvisation. The answer? ‘Trust’.

Taking Risk

In creating anything through improvisation, there is an element of risk. Without a script, a score or a blueprint to follow, the artist/creator is stepping into the unknown. To reach a successful outcome, they will therefore need to trust their wits and instincts. Moreover, where group improvisation is concerned, all will need to trust one another.

But what risk is there, really, in making things up? For many it will be the fear of rejection or even ridicule. The act of creating inevitably invites scrutiny, comparison and judgement. We all want to feel valued. We want to know we are accepted and appreciated by our peers. So, their thoughts and opinions can make or break us.

Measuring Up

In an educational setting this can be even more pertinent. Young children are constantly measuring themselves against one another, both in work and play. When you add to this the need for continual assessment, this can be quite challenging.

For a child to present ideas they have thought up on the spot, within this context, it can be intimidating. They need to know that it’s OK to contribute, without risk of condemnation. Even if some of their ideas may not be the best.

More Comfortable

There are two keys to making this process more comfortable for everyone. One is to ensure that all participants are actively involved. In that way, all share the risk. Each can take comfort in the knowledge that they are ‘all in it together’. Not only does this make individuals feel less vulnerable, it also creates a powerful group bond.

The other is to apply what is sometimes referred to in comedy circles as the rule of ‘yes’. Or – as I heard it explained in another recent interview – the rule of ‘yes… and’. This is more or less as it sounds. When one improviser throws up an idea, the others must agree or go with it. And this can apply equally well to comedy, acting, music, dance or any other group improvisation.

Co-Creation

Knowing that no matter what you come up with, your co-creators are going to run with it, makes it much easier to take the plunge and come up with something. Not only that but (using the ‘yes…and’ principle) they will enhance that idea. Which means that they are now equally invested in the process. And so, creation becomes co-creation.

The benefits within an educational setting are clear. And far-reaching. Youngsters are constantly pitted against one another, whether deliberately or otherwise. The experience of sharing ideas, efforts and vulnerabilities can, therefore, be both instructive and life-affirming.

Choose ‘Yes… and…’

And why limit this to creative pursuits? Perhaps we could all use these techniques more within our daily lives. Instead of saying ‘no… but’, perhaps it would be more constructive to choose ‘yes… and.’

Do Something

Please Yourself

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Our Creative Partners: Make a Move

Dance Notes has given me the confidence to deliver Dance, something I have always struggled with or avoided. There are plenty of topics and themes to choose from and it is easy to use. Because there are no ‘rights and wrong’s about what children’s responses are, children were confident to join in and do what they felt and wanted rather than think ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I can’t dance’. Some boys who can sometimes be disruptive were totally engaged in Rough and Tumble. Also, because children can choose their own movements, there were less ‘rules’. Children were back from school after lockdown and thoroughly enjoyed moving and expressing themselves to music. Because the music is there ready and the plans are written for you, there is no scrabbling around finding suitable music. I would previously avoid teaching dance as I didn’t have plans or music.

Trish

This is the best dance scheme of work that I have used in my 40 years of teaching and even better than a dance teacher that comes into school. The children are very engaged in dance and enjoy it much more than they used to do. By doing the dance moves they are able to understand how people used to live. I have had many students who find it difficult to work with others but dance notes helped them find the confidence to change. I have had students who were not willing to join in with dance but with dance notes they find it enjoyable. The notes are so clear and well structured and the tracks are available too so there is no need for new planning.

Pauline

Easy to follow instructions with the music. Good pair and group work. Fits well with my Ancient Greece topic. Thanks so much! It’s a great unit – it worked so well I’m doing it again this year.

Anna

I wanted to contact you and let your team know how useful we have found your resources. They have given our staff the confidence to deliver dance, knowing that their lessons will cover age-appropriate content. The plans clearly cover and develop choreographic/performance and appreciation skills and knowledge.

The topics you offer have allowed us to deliver and make truly cross curricular links within each year group. To have the music included has not only saved time but made the lessons fun for both staff and pupils.

I have been so impressed by the friendly, helpful and efficient service…thank you.

Finola

It was just what I was looking for. The planning for our circus dance unit was done for me. They encouraged the children to work together. The children behaved well in the dance lessons as they enjoyed them.

Lisa

They are lovely ideas set to fantastic music. Saves times finding appropriate music. The activities lend themselves to children creating movement together. Children are always engaged. Different ways of moving.

Cathy

The lessons are clear and easy to follow for any member of staff and the bonus is having the music provided with the lessons so teachers don’t need to spend hours searching for music. The lessons are detailed and planned out so no need to do much before the lessons. The lessons encourage collaboration whether it be paired work, small group work and whole class performance. The themes are able to be linked to topics in school which gives more of a purpose to the lessons. Well being is promoted by keeping children active. Gives pupils ideas on composing dances, movement sequences and choreography ideas.

Kate

Well resourced. Lessons easy to follow and adapt if teachers wish. Significantly reduces teacher workload. Boys and girls work well together as there are ‘boy’ themes they engage with. Boys more willing to join in.

Sallyann

Provides good lesson ideas, including warm ups and cool downs, building to a final piece at the end of the unit.

Tim

Great music. Activities are a good starting point. To be a 10, maybe some examples of shapes or videos of dances to inspire pupils or teachers who don’t know what they don’t know. Increased engagement leads to pupils applying themselves more resulting in improved motifs, shapes and sequences.

Ella

I have already recommended to Year 5 in my school and in September will encourage other year groups to use the scheme. Some of the boys in the class are more intrigued as the music and improvisation is more interesting. Children are more aware of terminology whilst dancing. Children want to push themselves to create a piece of dance. Following the lesson materials means we don’t have to create and source music or plans.

Sophie

Dance Notes has had a positive impact on the children who initially did not think that they would enjoy dance. Engagement in the lessons is high and behaviour is good. As the sports coach, I also feel a lot more confident in teaching dance now, as I did before I started using Dance Notes.

Jonathan

It was easy to order, lessons were enjoyed and I felt like the children had accomplished new skills at the end. They learned about the way people lived and moved during Stone Age Britain and created some great group dances. Boys are often reluctant to take part but enjoyed this dance unit and we’re actively engaged. The unit of work was easy to pick up and deliver . Saved lots of time.

Catherine

The resources- notes and music- were excellent. Clear to follow. Such a time-saver for the non-specialist. Children responded well and enjoyed the dance lessons.

All KS1 teachers found good to use. All PE helps develop fine and gross motor skills, which helps overall attainment . Dance notes motivated the children. Good vocabulary included. Good partner and group work. Motivation leads to better behaviour. Dance helps creativity and hence well being.

Rose

I have only used 1 unit so don’t have loads of experience using dance notes but I’ve really enjoyed what I have used. Clear guidance for teachers leads to better focus on learning in lessons and extends technical vocabulary. Partner and group work in the pirate unit children were motivated by the music to be creative and work together. Most children motivated and positive towards dancing. Helped some children gain confidence. Well-being music has a very positive impact and helps to motivate. Repetition of music linked to each lesson also builds confidence.

Jane

The lessons are easy to follow, the music is good and appropriate. The children are able to create movements very creatively using the ideas in the lessons. They can hear the speed of the music and adjust the speed and style of their movement. Many ideas provided require group work and collaboration in actions. The children are engaged and enjoy the activities so are less likely to misbehave.

Liz

Easy to follow lesson plans. Great ideas. Super music choices. Covers all aspects of dance and pupils are always engaged.

Melissa

Very cost effective set of planning complete with suitable music and excellent, expert content. Children can more readily describe their understanding using technical vocabulary. Plenty of group choreography opportunities and peer assessment moments. Where children previously couldn’t use dance related vocabulary to describe their performance and learning, they can now readily do that! Better in-lesson behaviour for learning.

Elton

Lesson plans have broad and varied subject content for Dance with cross curricular themes. Dance Notes provides music tracks of varied styles that stand alone or accompany the lesson plans. Children are motivated by the lesson plans. Lesson plans teach children about key dance principles. Children create dances in duets, trios and small groups. Differentiation is offered within lesson plans. The lesson plans are age appropriate in content and children enjoy them.

Lucilla

It offers teachers of all knowledge level and confidence the chance to offer dance lessons for all students. Participation in dance has improved dramatically. All children totally engaged with lessons – lots of topic areas offered for boys, who can sometimes lack interest. A great amount of collaboration in lessons. Wellbeing has been helped by children having the opportunity in engaging dance lessons.

Sarah

Allows all children to take part and work together. All get involved and have a purpose in the lesson. Music not always liked by the children.

Joanne

Clear, simple to follow planning with all resources together. Lots of topics covered.

Katie