Purpose
Introduces momentum as a dance partner — using swing, arc, and centrifugal force so that movement flows from physics rather than muscle. The efficiency that makes advanced CI possible (and safe).
Setup
Experienced pairs, very warm. Generous space.
Play
- "Find a shared point and start a gentle swing — an arm, a lean, a turn — let momentum build."
- "Now use the momentum: let it carry a body around, down, up. Don't muscle — let the swing do the work."
- "Pass momentum between you: your spin feeds their arc feeds your fall feeds their rise."
- "Find the effortless places where physics is doing the dancing."
Cues
"Let the swing decide." · "Muscle is expensive; momentum is free." · "Feed the arc, don't stop it."
Variations
- Easier: small pendulum swings, grounded.
- Harder: momentum carries a partner briefly airborne (bridges to #22); spins into off-balance (#18).
Debrief
"Where did the dance move you instead of you moving it? How did that feel different from effortful dancing?"
Watch For
Momentum makes things fast and hard to abort — build speed gradually, keep exits available. Watch for wrists/shoulders taking swing loads.