Early on in his career, Walt Disney worked with animation that contained no spoken dialogue. Instead, Walt and other early animators used clear imagery and compelling physical performances to tell their stories. In order to ensure audiences understood what was happening, movements and gestures were overemphasized, in the style of pantomime theater performers. See these early examples of animation in gallery 1, and then learn how to exaggerate poses, facial expressions, and movements yourself in order to create an animated piece that tells a clear visual story without dialogue.
Other Programs
- Workshops Virtual
Step into the world of classic Disney animation and discover the groundbreaking artistry behind One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)! Join us as we...
Sat, Jan 17 | 10:30am–noon PT - Workshops Virtual
Step into the world of classic Disney animation and discover the groundbreaking artistry behind One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)! Join us as we...
Sat, Jan 17 | 1–2:30pm PT - Workshops
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to capture the towering beauty of California’s redwoods on paper. Join us in the Learning Center for an...
Thu, Jan 22 | 5–7pm Step into the world of classic Disney animation and discover the groundbreaking artistry behind One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)! Join us as we...
Sat, Jan 24 | 10:30am–noonStep into the world of classic Disney animation and discover the groundbreaking artistry behind One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)! Join us as we...
Sat, Jan 24 | 1–2:30pmFlying ships have captured imaginations for generations, blending artistry with engineering to create the illusion of sailing the skies. In...
Sun, Jan 25 | 10:30am–12:30pmIn conjunction with our special exhibition Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story, take to the skies and celebrate the magic of Peter Pan’s...
Sat, Jan 31 | 10:30am–noonIn conjunction with our special exhibition Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story, take to the skies and celebrate the magic of Peter Pan’s...
Sat, Jan 31 | 1–2:30pm- Workshops
The Art Playground is for families with children ages 3 to 6. In our Learning Center, we will be embracing the Year of the Horse in our Lunar New Year...
Sat & Sun, Feb 7–8 | 10am–noon - Workshops Virtual
Grab your honeypots and join us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966)! In this Workshop, we will take a...
Sat, Feb 7 | 10:30am–noon PT - Workshops
The Artist Studio is geared toward adults and children ages 7 and up. Exploring the world of animation, guests can step into our Learning Center to...
Sat & Sun, Feb 7–8, Mar 21–22, and Apr 25–26
1–3pm - Workshops Virtual
Grab your honeypots and join us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966)! In this Workshop, we will take a...
Sat, Feb 7 | 1–2:30pm PT