Ribbons, flowers and flashing sticks

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you place a prop in someone’s hand. Even the simplest ribbon or flower can spark imagination, unlock confidence, and send a wave of joy rippling through the body. Yes, they sometimes cause a bit of chaos—but honestly, that’s half the fun. Props bring playfulness, curiosity and conversation into the room, and I adore using them in my classes.

I take props to my weekly care home sessions and residents love to see what I pull out my suitcase each in class. Sometimes I feel a little bit like Mary Poppins when she pulls the lamp, coat stand and potted plant out of her bag! But for me, I’m pulling out ribbons, flowers and flashing light sticks. In my care home classes we use the ribbons for swaying, swirling and fast rhythmic movement. The flashing light sticks form part of a musical theatre routine and support clear timing. The flowers appear at the end of the class during our waltz of the flowers reverence. Here we aim to use fine motor skills, coordinating small muscles in movement with the eyes, fingers and hands.

My props also make an appearance in my children’s classes and this week the ribbons were very popular the star of the show! I use ribbons or scarves as an extension of the arm line to help young dancers sense a flowing feel through the upper body. This softness and elegance is extremely important in ballet. Props also support me in creating inclusive activities in children’s dance classes. For many sensory-seeking children the props provide access to visually engaging and textured materials to support engagement with tasks. A child that may have struggled to find a way to join in before can be encouraged by the prop to participate.

In every class I teach, props are more than accessories—they’re tiny catalysts for joy, confidence and creativity. Each and every prop in my suitcase helps every dancer to be curious and find their own way to move.