 I will never stop shouting it from the rooftops — tap class is for preschoolers too! Tap class has the power to make young children fall in love with movement, just like ballet and gymnastics do.
But, you might ask – How can I keep a room full of little kids engaged with tap steps alone? How on earth do I control a group of preschoolers with noisy, slippery shoes on their feet and still teach them something? These are very real, very valid questions - but do not fear! My on-the-job research, thanks to 25+ years of teaching tap to all ages, has helped me to narrow down the best methods for preschool tap class, and I am going to share them with you. Tap has so many learning benefits to offer, and I think every child deserves the chance to feel in awe at the sounds their feet can make. Finding the right approach to your preschool tap class will change depending on the age of the dancers in the class. Today, let’s focus on the youngest bunch - the three-year-olds. Who They Are: Three-year-olds are curious, imaginative, and are learning to be independent. They are growing their conceptual understanding of things like shapes, colors, and directions (on, off, in front, behind). They are eager to try something new and they love to celebrate a job well done. Tap Class Strategies for Three-Year-Olds Tip #1 – Circle Up For engagement and focus, a circle formation cannot be beat, especially for three-year-old tap class. A circle format allows the teacher to see and connect with every dancer and also allows the dancers to see the teacher clearly. At this age, I don’t often worry about the students using the same foot as me when trying a skill, but when I need them to be in sync, we put colorful scrunchies around our ankles and I ask them to “use their red foot” or “use their blue foot”. Tip #2 - Start Sitting Down Three-year-olds thrive on routine, and one helpful routine you can use is having your dancers immediately sit down (in the circle formation, on dots or on floor tape marks) when they enter the studio for tap class. I like to use this time for a variety of things: to go over our rhyming class rules; to briefly introduce our lesson plan theme for the day; to do a Hello song to greet each dancer; and most importantly, to “wake up” our tap shoes! (Click here to see exactly how we wake up our shoes in my classes and click here to see how I teach my class rules.) Tip #3 - Keep It Simple A little bit goes a long way in three-year-old tap, when it comes to skill exercises and combos. When I feel myself trying to add too much or make a pattern too layered, I stop and remind myself that for three-year-olds, straightforward is the best path. Focusing on one skill at a time for several repetitions gives three-year-old dancers the best opportunity to catch on, follow along, and succeed. Less is more! Tip #4 - Train Their Musical Ear With Props Not every part of tap class needs to be feet-focused. A large part of learning to dance is understanding how movement relates to the music. Using musical props is a great tool for this. When the dancers need a break from movement (or when energy is getting too high), sitting and using egg shakers, bell bracelets, and rhythm sticks allows the students to learn in a different way. Put on a familiar song and use these props, or even a small drum and mallet, to play the downbeat while singing along. Tip #5 - When In Doubt, March It Out In between exercises that require more concentration or motor planning, it is a great idea to march around the room. Traveling around the dance room re-engages the students and gives their bodies a “brain break” and the physical and predictable input they need after doing harder work. While marching, the students also practice stepping with the downbeat and moving in relation to one another in space. Some simple marching ideas include: playing a Stop & Go listening game (march while the music is on, freeze in place when the music stops); practicing marches forward, backward, or sideways; and - always a fan favorite - playing follow-the-leader, giving each child a chance to be the marching leader around the room. Now you’re ready to dive in and see the wonder and joy in action when your students feel the power of making sounds with their bodies! Get my free Benefits of Tap Dance printable poster PDF and social media graphic here! For more tap tips and smart resources for tap teachers, follow me! You can find me here at www.dancedancehooray.com and @dancedancehooray on Instagram.
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 Are you a "yay" or "nay" when it comes to playing dance games in your classes? Visit my shop for more dance resources that support a creative, positive, and imaginative dance classroom. Keep in touch by signing up for my weekly tap newsletter, and join me on Facebook at dance dance HOORAY or follow me on Instagram @dancedancehooray!
It's November, and this time of year always reminds me to pay attention to what I am grateful for. Doing a gratitude practice as a part of dance class is a 2-for-1 -- it helps me to see the special moments in every class and it helps the students to step outside themselves too. I created Dance Dance Hooray over 4 years ago as a way to share ideas and to celebrate a community of caring and encouraging dance teachers. This is why I work hard to make something for everyone. Whether you can only take in my free content, or whether you are able to support me and purchase a done-for-you game or lesson plan, I thank you. All of my content are ideas, games, and lesson plans that will save you time and help your students connect to dance concepts in a meaningful way. Thanksgiving mode activated.      I'm thankful for you! Visit my shop for more dance resources that support a creative, positive, and imaginative dance classroom. Keep in touch by signing up for my weekly tap newsletter, and join me on Facebook at dance dance HOORAY or follow me on Instagram @dancedancehooray!
I love Halloween week in dance class for many reasons --- it provides a chance to create happy memories, it ignites imagination and creativity, and it reminds our students how dance can be both hard work and fun. But, I have found that if I don't have a concrete plan for the fun, the hyped-up energy can get out of hand! This morning, I was taking some time to think through my classes for the week and planning which Halloween resources I am going to use for each class. Then this occurred to me ------ why not share my exact plans with you?! Here are the ways that I utilize the Dance Dance Hooray resources for each class and age group! Parent-Tot and Creative Movement I will follow the visual aids, follow-along songs, and Halloween themed exercises in my First Steps Framework Halloween Theme lesson plan. Preschool Ballet, Tap, & Jazz Classes I will be using my Hooray for Dance Notebook for ballet & jazz, the Halloween Theme. These are lesson plans with approximately 4-5 exercises and combos in each style. For tap, I will follow my Shake, Rattle, & Roll Skeleton Tap lesson plan for ages 3-5 and play the Boo! Rhythm Game using rhythm sticks. Kindergarten & First Grade Tap Classes I will continue my Shake, Rattle, & Roll Skeleton Tap lesson plan for ages 5-7, and add on to the mini tap combo we began to the Monster Mash song. Kindergarten & First Grade Jazz Classes Last week, I used the Halloween Super Stations cards for stretch & strength warm-up before we worked on our regular jazz class skills This week, I will use the Halloween Spooky Steps game to review our jazz skills in a Halloween-y way, and then we will put the 4 mini combos from Halloween Super Stations together to make a Halloween dance to a song that they choose! 2nd-3rd Grade Jazz Classes First, I will review the jazz steps that they have been working in our first 6 weeks of jazz class. Then, I will review and add-on to our combo to the song Calling All The Monsters and take a video to share with their parents. Last, I will use the Halloween Spooky Steps character and traveling step cards, to go across the floor. 2nd-3rd Grade Tap Classes I will do the first exercise from the Shake, Rattle, & Roll Skeleton tap lesson plan for ages 5-7, and then review all of our basic traveling and stationary steps. Then, we will play the Sticky Spiderweb Game - Tap Version and at the end of class, we will add on to our Purple People Eater tap combo. 4th-5th Grade Tap Classes I will do a follow-along rhythm circle warm-up, trying to hit on all of the skills we have been working on thus far this year. Then, we'll play my FAVORITE game -- Audio Haunted House! Then, we will work on our Addams Family tap combo. 4th-5th Grade Jazz Classes Since I love to encourage this age group to step outside of their comfort zone and to help develop their creativity, we will use the last half of the class to allow them to create some Halloween choreography. I will use the Witches' Dance Potion game as a way to help give them ideas on how to use the steps they know. But first -- we will do a collaborative warm-up with the Dance Trick Or Treat game! Middle School Tap Classes This age group has generally done the Audio Haunted House in previous years...and they always ask to do it again! We will spend about 10-15 min on learning about some tap history, and then I will ask them to create their own tap choreography, using the Clickity-Clackity Candy Corn game as a guide. Middle School Jazz Classes & High School Tap Classes We will continue with our normal class material, but first we'll use the Dance Trick Or Treat Game to warm-up. Then, I will ask them to create choreography using the Halloween Set The Scene game, which works with any style of dance. For the jazz classes, if we have time we will also explore movement initiation using the Do The Skeleton Dance! Happy Halloween! Want a free tap class activity? Click below! Visit my shop for more dance resources that support a creative, positive, and imaginative dance classroom. Keep in touch by signing up for my weekly tap newsletter, and join me on Facebook at dance dance HOORAY or follow me on Instagram @dancedancehooray!
I’m dropping in today with my favorite easy fall-themed dance class ideas, for all ages -- because a little fall fun goes a long way into making memories, spreading joy, and helping your dancers "fall" in love with dance even more! In my 20+ years as a dance teacher, I have seen the way that the use of a prop can change the entire vibe of my class, for the better. Magically, the students become more engaged with what we are learning and they begin to make real connections with the hands-on manipulation of a prop. This is true for dancers ages 2-7 years of age, but guess what? Even your older students benefit from the use of props, and the fall season is the perfect time to incorporate them. For older students, apply the ideas below to the more advanced steps and skills that you are working on in class. All you need is 5 minutes or less within the course of your class to use some Fall Themed Fun to engage your dancers just a little bit more and create real learning connections. Here are some of my favorite ways: Use Fall Colors Chances are, you have an assortment of fall colors in the dance you props you already have on hand at your studio. Props are a great way to feel the fun of fall with full-bodied learning!
Leaves Decorative fabric or paper leaves are a magical prop! You can also substitute sheer scarves if you do not have any leaves on hand.
Pumpkins Faux or foam pumpkins like these work so well for dance class! Or find a picture of a pumpkin online and print and make copies of it.
Be Like The Wind Ribbons can help the dancers imagine being in a windy day or feel like a leaf moving in the breeze.
Fall Dance Games and Themed Lesson PlansOne of my favorite ways to review or reinforce dance concepts and specific skills is through themed dance games, at the end or beginning of class. Want a refresh to your current game and lesson plan library? Check these out! Autumn Themed Dance Games Autumn Themed Lesson Plans Falling Leaves and Apple Trees Tap Lesson Plan for ages 3-5 Falling Leaves and Apple Trees Tap Lesson Plan for ages 5-7 Visit my shop for more dance resources that support a creative, positive, and imaginative dance classroom. Keep in touch by signing up for my weekly tap newsletter, and join me on Facebook at dance dance HOORAY or follow me on Instagram @dancedancehooray!
 COUNTDOWN CELEBRATION Use the last week before winter break to do a New Year’s countdown! For your younger classes, put some scarves on top of your parachute and toss them in the air together while you countdown from ten. Be sure to shout Happy New Year! For your older classes, share your favorite moment from dance class so far this year. UNWRAP THE FUN Play a dance “Gifts & Giggles” game with your older students. Give each student 2 blank notecards. On one, they should write a favorite dance step. On the other, they should write a silly dance step. Mix the cards up and deal out one to every person and put the rest in the center. Don’t show your cards. On their turn, everyone can steal another person’s card or choose one from the middle. After you go around twice and every student has 2 cards, they must come up with 16 counts of movement that uses both steps on their card! FREE HOLIDAY MAD LIBS Download T’was the Night Before Dance Class to do as a class activity or to hand out to your students! Click the picture below!  LEARNING GAMES for ALL AGES and STYLES The week leading up to winter break are the perfect opportunity to game-ify your classes! The use of games encourages critical thinking and recall of learned concepts. Continued learning + creativity + fun = all the warm fuzzy feelings as your dancers head into winter break!    SNOWFLAKE WARM-UP Do this quick warm-up in any class to get those muscles going! While seated or laying, pull knees into chest (snowball) then open to straddle with arms reaching (snowflake). Repeat 8X, then stand up. Jump apart with arms reaching to high corners (snowflake), then jump together and contract (snowball). Repeat 8X! FREEZE AND MELT Challenge your dancers' control and ability to fill the music, in any style class. Teach 32 counts of any combo or phrase. After they execute that, your dancers must reach, releve', or balance on 1 foot for 8 counts, then melt slowly to the floor for 16 counts. Then they must dance their way up for 8 counts and begin your phrase again! WHAT'S YOUR SNOWMAN NAME If you were a snowman, what would your name be? And what’s your signature step? Click the picture below to get your free printable Snowman Name worksheet. Use it during class or at the beginning of a camp to break the ice (pun intended!). As a group, figure out everyone’s snowman name and then practice the special steps together!  CRAFT STORE SNOW PROPS From December through February, snow props are a dance teacher’s best friend! Look for foam snowflakes, snowman cut-outs, and yarn snowballs too. Use them in obstacle courses, parachute activities & more. For immersive and imaginative lesson plans & games that bring SNOW to life - and use props to move important dance concepts forward - check out my winter dance resources!      CAN'T CATCH ME GAME Students start on the floor, with their eyes closed. Teacher then tiptoes around the room and tap a few dancers on the shoulder. Those dancers jump up and do a traveling step (the teachers pretend to be “chasing” them and “catch” them with another tap on the shoulder). Then start again, choosing different kids for the next round! COOKIE FOLLOW-ALONG SONGS It takes a little digging, but you can find gingerbread theme action songs in your music apps. Follow the words with your own dance actions! Gingerbread Man by The Kiboomers Gingerbread Man Dance & Freeze by Jack Hartmann Wobbly Man by Koo Koo (pretend to be a cookie crumbling) COOKIE STORYTELLING Read one of the many children’s books about the Gingerbread Man at the start of your dance class, and act it out with dance movements............OR get your copy of my dance-along stories for preschool & early elementary age, which come with storyboards, movement, & review cards too!   BAKE IN THE LEARNING & ARTISTRY By using stories & imagination, you help to reinforce the artistry and creativity that elevates dancers from athletes to athlete-artists. Dance games have the power to unlock individuality and imagination in your students, by providing cues and a roadmap to discover their own artistic voice! Create your own, or browse the inclusive winter holiday theme games on my site!   MAKE IT HOLIDAY NEUTRAL The traditional Nutcracker story takes place on Christmas Eve. For an easy switch, when using the Nutcracker story in class or dancing it out, replace Christmas Eve with New Year’s Eve! Or simply say “at the holiday party” instead of Christmas Eve in your re-telling of the story. NUTCRACKER FREEZE Search for classical Nutcracker music and Nutcracker covers on your music app. Then, play the Nutcracker Freeze! Ask your students to move in any way, following the cues in the music. When you stop the music, they freeze! Switch songs each time you stop the music, and choose different tempos or feels each time.  TRADITION FOR ALL AGES AND STYLES You can introduce elements of the Nutcracker story in any class! Dance like you are on your way to a party, in your parent-tot class. Dance like snowflakes in creative movement. Explore the Land of Sweets by doing candy-inspired moves in jazz. Take a look at my Nutcracker in A Nutshell lesson plans & Nutcracker Activities to supplement your classes & winter break camps!   No matter which holiday your dance students celebrate, there's a way to have festive fun this month! Welcome to my 5-part series on how to infuse the magic and excitement of the season into your classes, while at the same time making every child feel included. Let's start with candy canes! Candy canes are for everyone! They are sold around Christmastime, but at their essence, candy canes are a just yummy treat that all kids can enjoy. Here are 4 fun and easy ways to use the imagery of candy canes in your classes, today! Play the Candy Cane Balance Game During warm-ups, while their arms are extended side in 2nd position, hang a candy cane on each student's hand, They must keep their arms strong to keep it balanced! Reward -- they get to take the candy cane home! Candy Cane Relay Instead of passing a baton, pass a candy cane! Set your dancers up to practice any skill or combo across the floor, with the next person ready on the opposite side. Dancer 1 should travel across while holding the candy cane, and then pass it to dancer 2. Dancer 2 then starts the combo traveling back the other way, and passes the candy cane to dancer 3, and so on! Candy Cane Jane A super cute and done-for-you preschool tap routine that is easy to teach? Yes, please! Teach part of this routine as a mini class combo or as a holiday dance for your studio's viewing week. Either way, you can't lose, especially since it is on sale for 80% off through December 2023. Grab your copy (which includes teacher notes and a full video demonstration) for just $2, by clicking the picture below!  If you are already a Tap Teacher Member, this game is included in your Tap Lesson Plan Membership -- check your portal! Find out more about being a Tap Teacher Member, here! Peppermint Hot Chocolate This dance game will help your students think about dance as something beyond the steps they learn in class, by helping them create their own artistic movement in a low-pressure way. For $7, you'll get the newly updated print-and-play game for tweens and teens that you can use for years to come. Click the picture below for details!  |
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