Rhythm Exercises

Rhythm exercises are warm-ups that contain a rhythmic element.

Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves

Players form a circle and create a shared rhythm by chanting 'Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves' in unison. The leader adds a gesture on the beat. On the next round, everyone copies that gesture while the leader adds a new one. Gestures accumulate — everyone must remember and perform all previous gestures.

Rhythm Circle

One player establishes a rhythm with claps, snaps, or body percussion. The next player adds a complementary rhythm. Layers build until the whole group creates a complex polyrhythm.