Does anyone here teach facial expressions to their Creative Movement classes?

I am reading a book called Ballet for Beginners that shows a lot of what is taught at the School of American Ballet. They have a section that says your teacher will help you learn different facial expressions in Creative Movement. I have never done this, but it certainly sounds like a good idea. Besides the fact that dancers must learn to project emotion non-verbally, it is a good skill for children to have and learn to read in others.

What do you all think?

Get them to be aware that there other people in the room that they must avoid or dance with, there's music and it's playing for a reason and what they're feet and legs are meant to be doing before you start trying to introduce facial expression.

Give them a chance, there's a lot for this age group to learn in a dance class before you start to look at facial expression and artistry.

The most I do with my creative movement classes that could be construed as facial expressions would be sad kitty, happy kitty.

Oh kitties is a good idea, thanks!

Just to be clear, the book was only suggesting basics. Showing what makes a happy, sad, angry face etc. it was meant to show kids how basic emotions are expressed non verbally. Nothing like a trained ballerina or actor would do.

With my preballet classes (age 3-5) we open our windows (demi-plie) and let animals jump through. We pretend to be roaring lions, sweet kitties, playful monkeys, excited bunnies, etc.

I also do a jack-n-the box activity with my 4-5 year olds. Seated on the floor, knees tucked into chest head down. I tell them what face I want to see pop out of the box--excited, sad, angry, happy, sleepy. When I clap my hands they all pop open with arms, back and legs straight with pointed toes and they have to mime the face I call out. They love to do this activity.

These are the ages to begin facial expressions, because they are not shy to do it and think it is fun. If you try to get them to do it when they are older and self-conscious, it is more difficult.