dance games - spark learning today!

Are you a "yay" or "nay" when it comes to playing dance games in your classes?

I used to feel dance teacher guilt when I utilized dance games as part of my lesson plan. (It kinda feels like cheating, right?) The voice in my head would say "dance games are only for unprepared or un-serious dance teachers" or "dance games are just for lazy days".

But here's the thing -- that doubting voice was holding me back from being the type of teacher that serves my students in all the ways they need. (And it is likely holding you back too.)

Dance games ARE learning tools......and 20+ years of seeing the benefits to my students has finally quieted my dance teacher guilt. Let's go. ​

Redefine Dance Games
Perhaps you remember your teacher using dance games only as a class quick fix -- when there was a sub, when the recital choreography was done, or when half the class was missing that day and your teacher wanted to save the material of substance.

Is it ok to use dance games for any of the reasons above? Sure! Connection counts -- and so does fun. If that's the aim, it's a valid way to use games.

But if the phrase "time-waster" moves across your mind like a ticker tape every time you consider using a dance game in class, this where I want you to stop and RE-consider.

Games are not time-wasters, and if you choose games that align with the material in your lesson plan, you will be helping your dancers to absorb the material and understand concepts more fully. ​

Benefits of Play
Using aligned and targeted games in dance class can:
-apply dance technique and skills in a new way
-ignite excitement and engagement foster a greater student-to-teacher and peer-to-peer connection
-increase retention of concepts
-support innovation and creativity
-develop critical thinking
-reach different types of learners ​

Best Way To Game-ify Your Class
You one hundred percent are allowed to play games "just for fun" (let's all remind each other that fun is a good word). But to make the most of benefits listed above, you can think about how the dance games you choose support the learning objectives of your class.

Here are some questions you can ask, with some examples:

Does this game help review targeted skills or concepts?

EXAMPLE: Let's say that you want your elementary age tap class to better understand how many sounds are in the steps they are learning, so that when they are practicing, they can listen to their feet to be sure they are making all of the sounds and not just going through the motions.

A game like Tap Dance Chocolates would be a great choice here! It asks the students to classify and sort their foundational tap vocabulary by number of sounds (in a fun way!). ​

Can this game take the place of a traditional warm-up?

EXAMPLE: Let's say that you want your elementary age jazz class to get moving, to review the steps you have been working, and to dip their toes into improvisation.

A game like Love In Motion fits the bill! In it, the students are prompted to create their own dance movements to act out loving actions like "hug" or "handshake". The game also includes pre-made skill review combos as well as prompts to create their own mini phrases. ​

Does it help to put their artistry and creativity into practice?

EXAMPLE: Let's say that you have been emphasizing individuality and an emotional connection to their performance choreography in your middle school or high school lyrical or contemporary class.

A game like Conversation Heart Choreography would be a good tool to help them develop this! In this game the dancers are asked to layer three concepts -- a feeling, a movement type, and a body part that initiates the movement -- along with their known dance vocabulary, to create their own movement phrases in groups or individually. ​

Put It To The Test!
I challenge you to push past your inner critic and test out some games in your dance classroom this month. Play a learning-based game, and observe your dancers. I bet you will see smiles, collaboration, and a student who has learned to apply a skill effectively.

Create your own games, or snag one of my hundreds of digital download print-and-play games -- all between $5-$15.

shop dance games now

​​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!