festive & inclusive fun in dance class, part 1 - candy canes!

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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!