Find all our Film Club films here.

Why is creative expression essential to life?

“Dancing In the Air With 9-Foot Stilts” is a three minute film that touches on themes of culture, history and self-expression. It profiles Jonadiah Gonzales, Adrian Young, and Stephanie Kanhai — Moko Jumbie stilt-walkers in Trinidad and Tobago from the all-ages performance group, “Touch D Sky.” The film follows them as they practice their gravity-defying dance moves atop towering stilts.

Students

1. Watch the short film above. While you watch, you might take notes using our Film Club Double-Entry Journal (PDF) to help you remember specific moments.

2. After watching, think about these questions:

What moments in this film stood out for you? Why?

Were there any surprises? Anything that challenged what you know — or thought you knew?

What messages, emotions or ideas will you take away from this film? Why?

What questions do you still have?

What connections can you make between this film and your own life or experience? Why? Does this film remind you of anything else you’ve read or seen? If so, how and why?

3. An additional challenge | Respond to the essential question at the top of this post: Why is creative expression essential to life?

4. Next, join the conversation by clicking on the comment button and posting in the box that opens on the right. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)