Jane & Michael

Jane and Michael Banks are the children who need Mary Poppins most. Jane is the older, more responsible sister who tries to be grown-up. Michael is the younger, more impulsive brother who just wants to play. Together, they go from neglected, misbehaving children to a family reconnected with joy.

Personality for Dance

Jane moves with careful imitation of adult behaviour that breaks down when excitement takes over. She tries to be composed but cannot help jumping into puddles or chasing penguins. Michael has no filter. He runs, he crashes, he grabs, he shouts. He is pure impulse. Together, they push and pull each other, Jane trying to be sensible, Michael dragging her into fun. Their movement becomes more coordinated as the show progresses, showing they have learned to work together.

The Outfit

Top

Jane wears a white blouse with a navy or red pinafore. Michael wears a white shirt with a navy sailor collar or a simple vest.

Bottom

Jane in a knee-length skirt over white tights. Michael in shorts with knee-high socks. Edwardian children's clothing.

Accessories

Jane has a hair ribbon. Michael has a cap. Both can carry kites for the finale. Nursery toys as props for the opening.

Shoes

Black Mary Janes for Jane. Black lace-up shoes or boots for Michael.

Hair

Jane has neat brown hair with a bow, becoming messier through adventures. Michael has a short, boyish cut.

Special Details

The kite at the end is their shared prop and symbol of the family coming together. They can start with broken toys and end with a flying kite.

Movement Tips

Jane tries to be prim and keeps getting pulled into fun. Show the resistance breaking down.
Michael is all energy. He cannot stand still, cannot wait his turn, cannot contain his excitement.
In the Jolly Holiday sequence, they discover magic for the first time. Wide eyes, gasps, grabbing each other's arms.
Let's Go Fly a Kite should feel like pure freedom. Running, spinning, looking up, jumping to reach higher.
They mirror Mary Poppins's behaviour increasingly as the show goes on, standing straighter, moving more deliberately.

Age Recommendations

Best for ages 7-12. Jane suits a slightly older, more composed dancer. Michael suits a younger, more energetic performer. The roles work beautifully as a sibling pair and need good chemistry between the two dancers.