Move & Groove – Seasonal Dances
December 23, 2009 by Adrian
Filed under Move and Groove, Recent Posts
When teaching movement to young children, it is often easier to guide in terms of concepts rather than actual dance choreography. Some children may not be able to actually count the beat of the music, and it can be confusing to remember which step comes next within a series of movements. Giving them an idea to work with gives them the opportunity to use their imaginations, and translate their own ideas into movements. It can be quite rewarding to see the varied interpretations of an idea, each one very different from the next.
A childhood favorite in ballet class is called “Run, run jump”, where we imagine it is spring time and the ground is covered with puddles, making it our job to jump over each of them. Bigger imaginary puddles necessitate bigger leaps. Regardless of puddle size, it is always a satisfying exercise, and the most exciting and well-loved part of class.
Over time, this exercise evolved into creating a dance for each season. In fall, the children imagine themselves as leaves being blown about in the wind. In winter, when nature sleeps, and plants have done the reverse of growing, the children pretend to do the opposite of growing with their bodies. Reverse-growing usually results in moving to the floor, which is a world of movement unto itself. Summer’s dance involves swimming movements. Collaboration makes the entire process even richer. Try asking children about their own associations for a particular season, and then put these ideas into play. Putting your collective heads together will give the entire group much more material to work with.
As we enter the darkest time of the year, it is a time to find the light within our hearts, and share it. Whatever movements you practice together as a group will bring everyone closer together. Happy Holidays!
