Party GamesNewspaper Dance
Each pair dances on a sheet of newspaper. When the music stops, the sheet is folded in half and the pair must still fit on it. Fold after fold, the paper shrinks until partners are balancing on one foot each or carrying each other. It is the high point of many sangeets and anniversary parties.
- Ages
- 8 and up
- Players
- 6 to 30, in pairs
- Time
- 10 to 15 minutes
- Place
- any room with music
- Energy
- active
- Group size
- Medium group (9 to 20), Large group (over 20)
- Good for
- Teenagers, Adults, All ages together, Couples, Ladies' parties, Office
What you need
One full sheet of newspaper for each pair. Music, and someone to stop and start it.
How to play
- Players form pairs. Any two people can pair up: couples, friends, a parent and child, two cousins.
- Each pair spreads its sheet on the floor and stands on it.
- Play music. The pairs dance on their paper. No part of a foot may touch the floor outside it.
- Stop the music. Each pair steps off, folds the sheet in half and steps back on.
- Music again. A pair is out if a foot touches the floor, or if they cannot both get on the paper within five seconds.
- Keep folding after every round.
Who wins
The last pair still on its paper wins.
Variations and tips
- Dance style calls: the host shouts "bhangra", "slow motion" or "robot" for each round.
- For a group that does not want to pair up, play it singly: each person on their own sheet, standing on one leg by the end.
- For children, use a bedsheet for teams of four and fold that.
Safety and kindness
Play on a floor that is not slippery, and tape the first sheet down if the floor is polished. Lifting a partner is allowed only if both are comfortable and steady; say so at the start. Remove dupattas and heels that could trip.
Common problems and how to fix them
- Pairs stand still instead of dancing. The judge taps out any pair that is not moving.
- The paper tears. A torn sheet still counts as long as feet are on paper; give no replacement.
Party plans that use this game
Host tools
Time the round with the party timer, make chits or random teams with the chit maker, and keep the points on the scoreboard.
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