5-Minute Movement Game: Zombie Rock-Paper-Scissors!

2 days ago

12 min read

Updated: 13 hours ago

Looking for a Halloween-inspired activity that gets your dancers moving, laughing, and interacting with their classmates? Zombie Rock-Paper-Scissors is a fun, no-equipment movement game that combines everyone's favourite hand game with spooky zombie transformations!

Perfect for Halloween spirit week or a themed dance class, this activity encourages dancers to move around the studio, think quickly, and embrace their inner zombie. Best of all, you don't need any supplies to get started!

What You’ll Need

Nothing! That's right — this game requires no equipment or supplies, making it an easy activity to add to any dance class.

All you need is enough space for your dancers to travel safely around the room and a little Halloween spirit.

How to Play Zombie Rock-Paper-Scissors

Step 1: Start as High-Level Zombies

Everyone begins as a high-level zombie.

Have your dancers spread out around the studio and begin travelling like zombies. Encourage them to get creative with their zombie walks, adding stiff arms, slow steps, spooky expressions, and plenty of Halloween character!

As they move around the room, each dancer must find another high-level zombie to challenge to a game of rock-paper-scissors.

Step 2: Challenge a Fellow Zombie

When two dancers meet, they play one quick round of rock-paper-scissors. The winner stays at their current zombie level, while the loser drops down to the next level.

There are three zombie levels in total:

High Zombie: Walking upright with arms outstretched, ready to roam the studio.
Middle Zombie: A lower, more crouched zombie walk with bent knees and a spooky shuffle.
Low Zombie: A dragging zombie that travels close to the floor.

If a high zombie loses their round of rock-paper-scissors, they become a middle zombie and must find another middle zombie for their next challenge.

Step 3: Transform Into a Low-Level Zombie

If a middle zombie loses their next challenge, they drop to the lowest level and become a low zombie!

These dancers must travel close to the floor, using a low shuffle or controlled crawling-style movement that is appropriate for their age and ability. Once they reach this level, they'll need to challenge another low zombie to rock-paper-scissors.

Remind dancers to keep their movements controlled and watch out for their classmates as they travel around the room.

Step 4: Win Your Way Back Up!

Here's where things get interesting!

When a low zombie wins a round of rock-paper-scissors against another low zombie, they get to stand up and transform back into a high-level zombie.

They can once again walk tall, roam the studio, and challenge other high zombies.

The cycle continues as dancers move between the three levels, dropping down when they lose and working their way back up when they win.

How Does Someone Win?

There isn't an official winner! Zombie Rock-Paper-Scissors is all about keeping everyone moving, having fun, and getting into the Halloween spirit.

The game continues until the teacher calls time. You can play for five minutes, or keep going as long as your dancers are enjoying themselves.

Because dancers are constantly changing levels, everyone stays involved throughout the activity. There is no need to eliminate anyone or keep track of an overall score.

Tips for Making the Game More Fun

Want to bring even more Halloween energy into your studio? Try these ideas!

Encourage creative zombie movement. Ask your dancers to exaggerate their movements at each level. High zombies can stagger with stiff arms, middle zombies can shuffle with bent knees, and low zombies can use spooky, controlled movements close to the floor.

Put on a Halloween playlist. Add some creepy music or spooky sound effects to help set the mood. You could even pause the music occasionally to make the zombie encounters feel extra dramatic!

Keep the challenges moving. Remind dancers to find their next opponent quickly after each round. The faster they move between challenges, the more energetic the game becomes.

Add a little zombie character work. Encourage dancers to experiment with facial expressions, different zombie personalities, and unique ways of travelling at each level. It's a great opportunity to bring out their creativity and performance skills!

Why Dance Teachers Will Love This Game

Zombie Rock-Paper-Scissors is a simple way to incorporate movement, cardio, and creativity into your dance class without needing any equipment.

As dancers travel around the room and transition between different movement levels, they practise coordination, spatial awareness, agility, and body control. The game also encourages quick decision-making, social interaction, and the ability to adapt to changing instructions.

It's particularly useful during Halloween-themed classes or spirit weeks when you want to give your dancers a break from their usual training while still keeping them active and engaged.

Safety tip: Make sure dancers have enough space to travel, especially when moving at the low level. Encourage controlled, floor-friendly movements rather than dragging knees or bodies across the floor, and remind everyone to watch where they're going.

Ready to Unleash Your Inner Zombie?

Gather your dancers, clear some space, and get ready for a studio full of spooky transformations!

Zombie Rock-Paper-Scissors is an easy, equipment-free way to bring Halloween fun into your next dance class. Whether your dancers are shambling around as high zombies or trying to work their way back up from the lowest level, there's plenty of opportunity for laughter and creativity.

Trying this game during your Halloween spirit week? Tag us in your games! We love seeing how dance teachers bring seasonal fun and movement into their studios.

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