A key objective of my research was to understand how props can be used as affordances in my sessions. The  video above describes what affordances are perfectly.

 

'Affordances are the qualities or characteristics of the environment, or an object, that provide an individual with a possibility to act. The action will depend on the individual's perception of the affordance in a specific situation. An object can afford different things to different people, depending on their own abilities and motivation to act, to play, to support, to travel.'

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Affordances transformed the space and facilitate the dance and movement in our sessions.

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For example, when I gave you each a large lycra, doughnut shaped, bands, I noted how they were wrapped around, forming private islands of space for the group. This affords all members of your family a clear focus (paying attention only to what is going on within the band), and enhancing the experience.

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In another example, when we used the large parachute altogether, the transformation of the space afforded was clear. As the parachute was lifted towards the ceiling, I noted how everyone (adults and children) would stop and look up, showing their awareness of the transformed space. 

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You said that use of toys and props helped you to “spark new ideas and movement” but that you also enjoyed dancing without them, demonstrating that although the affordances can benefit the dance experience, they are not constantly required to do so. This supports my theory that the design of sessions should include both these elements in turns.

 

The affordances help focus, which in turn helps to improve the relationships formed by dancing together, which can be maintained in the elements of the session that don’t use props.

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