Flounder

Flounder is Ariel's best friend, a small yellow and blue tropical fish who is loyal beyond reason. He is terrified of almost everything but follows Ariel into danger anyway because that is what friends do. He worries constantly, gets startled by his own shadow, and somehow finds courage when Ariel truly needs him.

Personality for Dance

Flounder's movement is reactive. He startles, flinches, hides, then peeks out to check if the danger is gone. His default state is nervous hovering, staying close to Ariel and slightly behind her. But when she needs him, a switch flips. He stops trembling, sets his jaw, and pushes forward. Those moments of bravery are more powerful because they cost him so much. He moves with small, quick, darting energy, like a fish that is always one heartbeat away from fleeing.

The Outfit

Top

Bright yellow fitted top or tunic with blue stripes. The yellow should be warm and cheerful, the blue stripes bold and clearly defined. Keep the colours saturated and friendly.

Bottom

Yellow or blue shorts or fitted pants. The bottom should match the tropical fish colour palette. Lightweight and easy to move in since Flounder needs to dart and hide quickly.

Accessories

A fish fin headpiece in yellow and blue that frames the face. Round, expressive eyes are key to the headpiece design. Small side fin pieces attached to the arms help suggest the fish shape during swimming movement. Blue stripe face paint across the cheeks.

Shoes

Yellow or blue half-soles. Light and quiet. Flounder sneaks, tiptoes, and darts. His feet need to be quick and silent.

Hair

Hidden under the fish headpiece. The headpiece should round out the face and add the dorsal fin on top, creating the instantly recognisable Flounder silhouette.

Special Details

Flounder works best when positioned in constant relationship to Ariel. He is her shadow, her audience, her reluctant adventure partner. Consider a small prop like a treasure chest lid or a shell that he presents to her, referencing his gift in the film.

Movement Tips

Stay close to Ariel. Flounder's physical comedy comes from his proximity to danger. He hides behind her, peeks around her, and gets pulled along in her wake.
Startles should be full-body reactions. A loud sound sends him three feet sideways. A shadow makes him curl into a ball. Commit to the fear.
Darting movement should be quick and irregular. Flounder swims in bursts, stopping suddenly, changing direction, hovering in place with a nervous wiggle.
When he finds courage, slow the movement down. Instead of darting, he moves forward steadily. The audience should notice the change.
He reacts to everything. Even when the scene is not about him, Flounder's face and body should be responding to what is happening. He is the audience's emotional proxy.

Age Recommendations

Best for ages 6-11. Flounder is a perfect role for a younger dancer because the nervous energy and darting movement are naturally accessible. The role rewards expressiveness and personality. It is a fantastic first featured role for a dancer learning to hold a character through a show.