5 minutes of fall fun for dance class

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!

• With your dancers, sort scarves into fall colors, then one or more in the air and watch it float to the ground!
• Push a beanbag with your foot doing tendu or rond de jambe
• Jump over a pile of beanbag "leaves"
• Using fall color poly dots, make a pathway for the dancers to follow, doing any step they are trying to master

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.

• pile leaves or scarves on to your parachute and toss and shake them to work on control, teamwork, and listening
• toss leaves into the air while jumping, hopping, skipping, and leaping to explore power and force

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.

• Chasse' or gallop while holding the pumpkin en avant
• Jump or leap over the pumpkin
• Roll the pumpkin along the floor, and roll on your knees and bottom to follow 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.

• sway side to side with your ribbon to explore high and low
• move like a leaf swirling in the wind
• imagine the wind is pushing you to choose a pathway while you chasse’, tiptoe, or skip​

Fall Dance Games and Themed Lesson Plans

One 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!