Minute Masterclass Episode 40

Welcome to your one-minute masterclass. I’m Andrea Trench, founder of DiscoverDance. Today we’re talking about one of my favorite management tools for circle work. The campfire*. I love using the image of a campfire when working in a circle. If we get too close to center, it gets too hot. If we get too far away, it gets too cold. We want to be right in the middle where it’s warm and toasty. This visual helps our dancers develop their spatial awareness when moving in a circle or moving in and out of the circle. You can use floor tape, a poly spot, or a cone for this visual. But, if you want extra giggles and excitement, you can get an inflatable or stuffed campfire. Search “campfire” on the DiscoverDance Facebook page to find out where I get mine. You’ll also find out how I stuffed my inflatable campfire so I don’t have to keep inflating it. 

When introducing the campfire,  set clear expectations. Say, “Look at my campfire! I am going to put it right here during our circle warm up. If you touch my campfire, I have to put it away.” Be sure to follow through if anyone does touch it. Simply whisk it away and say we will try again next time. For more information, visit DiscoverDance.com.

*Click HERE to purchase the inflatable campfire.