Some Hī Hā productions include StoryDances in the scripts. So what is a StoryDance, and how do you do it?​​

A StoryDance is a pre-recorded audio story with actions and movements written into the text, e.g. stretching, twirling, marching, stamping, swaying, jumping. Just push play, tamariki move freely as they listen. Unlike a choreographed dance, there are no exact set moves so it's easy to rehearse. It's also a great device for getting across factual information in an entertaining way. Here are some hints:

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• Don't freak out! A StoryDance does not have to be an arty-farty expressive dance! Think of it as 'acting out' the story.

• Encourage tamariki to make up their own moves. It will look more 'chaotic' than a choreographed dance because everyone will be doing their own thing, but this is fine. It's great fun to watch! Once kids get the hang of it, most will absolutely love it!

• Don't stop moving! Continuous movement is the aim. If there are no obvious movements, just keep doing the same move until you hear another, e.g. if there are flames rising and falling, keep stretching and dropping until you hear another movement. If there is marching, keep marching. It's fine to keep doing the same move until you hear the next.

• We strongly encourage you to use the audio rather than getting tamariki to read the StoryDances aloud themselves. They are read by a professional voice actor and unlike the script itself, the text of a StoryDance is not designed to be easy for kids to read aloud. Turn the volume up so everyone can hear the story over all that amazing stamping and clapping! 

• Have FUN! Energy is infectious. Your audience will love it!