Starting with an Idea: Storytelling in the Classroom
Every Wakakirri journey begins with a story. At its heart,
Wakakirri is about storytelling through movement, helping students express ideas, experiences, and social messages in a creative and collaborative way.For many schools, this begins with a classroom discussion. Teachers introduce the concept of Story-Dance and guide students to think about themes that matter to them. These themes often connect to real-life issues, personal experiences, or broader social topics such as belonging, resilience, kindness, sustainability, or identity.
Students are encouraged to ask questions like:
- What story do we want to tell?
- Why does this story matter?
- Who do we want to speak to through our performance?
This early stage is about exploration rather than perfection. Students brainstorm ideas, share opinions, and learn to listen to one another. Teachers often notice strong engagement during this phase, particularly from students who may not always thrive in traditional academic settings.
Schools can choose how they approach this stage depending on their experience and confidence. Some schools create an original story from scratch, while others select from Wakakirri’s beginner-friendly story catalogue. Both pathways are equally valued and supported. This flexibility ensures that all schools, regardless of resources or experience, can participate meaningfully.
Creating the Story-Dance: Collaboration and Learning in Action
Once the story direction is chosen, students begin developing their Story-Dance. This stage is where ideas take physical form through movement, staging, and creative decision making.
The Story-Dance process encourages collaboration. Students work together to explore how movement can communicate emotion, narrative, and meaning. Dance experience is not required. Movements are simple, expressive, and inclusive, allowing every student to contribute in a way that suits their abilities.
For schools using Wakakirri’s beginner programs or Artist in Residence support, this stage is guided by experienced facilitators who work alongside teachers and students. Facilitators help shape the performance while ensuring the school remains confident and supported. Importantly, Wakakirri encourages teachers to let students lead where possible. When students feel ownership over their work, confidence grows and engagement deepens.
