Master keyframe animation fundamentals in Maya through a step-by-step tutorial that guides you in animating a playful squirrel jumping through a hoop using a free Animation Mentor rig. Explore essential animation techniques including setting keyframes, manipulating curves in the Graph Editor, and applying squash and stretch principles to create dynamic character movement. Perfect for beginner animators, this 27-minute hands-on demonstration shows how to bring characters to life while creating an entertaining and stretchy squirrel animation sequence. Gain practical experience with Maya's animation tools while learning how to create engaging character performances that incorporate fundamental animation principles.