Cheshire Cat

The Cheshire Cat is the enigmatic, grinning guide who speaks in riddles and appears when least expected. He can vanish and reappear at will, leaving only his smile behind. He knows more than he says and finds everything amusing. He is neither friend nor foe, just endlessly entertained by the confusion around him.

Personality for Dance

The Cheshire Cat moves like liquid. He slides, curls, stretches, and contracts. His spine is the most expressive part of his body, curving, arching, rippling. He appears in unexpected places, draped over things, hanging upside down, materialising behind Alice. His smile never leaves his face. Every movement is smooth and unhurried. He has all the time in the world and nowhere to be.

The Outfit

Top

A fitted top in purple and pink stripes. The stripes should be bold and wide. A bodysuit works well for the continuous feline line.

Bottom

Matching striped leggings or pants. The whole body should read as one continuous striped shape. A tail attached at the back.

Accessories

Cat ears on a headband. A large painted-on or prosthetic grin. Whisker face paint. Claw-tipped gloves.

Shoes

Purple or pink jazz shoes or ballet shoes. Something quiet and light for sneaking.

Hair

Hidden under the cat ear headband or a purple and pink striped hood. The character reads better as a full-body shape.

Special Details

UV-reactive stripes that glow under black light create the appearing and disappearing effect. A stripe can "remain" when the dancer exits by holding up a striped prop. Fog and specific lighting help with materialisation effects.

Movement Tips

Everything is spine-led. Curl, arch, ripple, undulate. He moves from his centre outward.
He appears in impossible positions. Practise draped poses over set pieces, upside down shapes, sitting on unexpected things.
The disappearing act can be done with lighting, a black cape over stripes, or ensemble members creating and dissolving the shape.
He circles Alice slowly, always just out of reach. Close enough to unsettle, far enough to stay mysterious.
The grin is constant. Even when the body is doing something else, the face never changes.

Age Recommendations

Best for ages 10-17. The Cheshire Cat suits dancers with excellent flexibility, body control, and a sense of mystery. Strong contemporary or acro skills help with the unusual positions. Younger dancers aged 7-9 can play Cheshire kittens in a group number.