Hello Turning Pointe Twirl Family!
I pray that you all are having a wonderful summer full of fun and adventures! Although I’m stepping aside as Twirl Director in order to prepare to have our 3rd baby in September, both of my kiddos are “Twirl” ages (2 & 5) and we LOVE to dance at home. Here are a few ideas to keep you all dancing throughout the summer…
PLAY A GAME
Every week in classes we play a game or do an obstacle course to keep things moving and changing in classroom. Here are some ideas for you to play and dance game at home!
Freeze Dance – Turn on some fun music and have the whole family dance around the house. When the music is paused, everyone has to FREEZE! Whoever freezes in the silliest pose…wins! Make it even more fun by dancing outside with popsicles!
Bubble Dance – Blow some bubbles outside and dance around seeing who can pop the most!
Obstacle Course – Create your own obstacle course…inside or outside! March to one obstacle, hop to the next, then balance on one foot. The possibilities are endless!
READ A BOOK
It’s always fun to find something new to read! Here are a few dance books to add to your home library.
I Dreamed I Was A Ballerina – by Anna Pavlova
Miss Lina’s Ballerinas – by Grace Maccarone
My Mama Had a Dancing Heart – by Libba Morre Gray
If you’re looking for more book ideas, here’s a link to Read Aloud Revival’s picture book list. Some of these have become our favorites!
https://readaloudrevival.com/series/01-picture-books-year/
LISTEN TO MUSIC
Whether you turn on the classical radio station or find something new on your music streaming app, new music is always a good idea. Have your dancer listen to the tone and tempo of the music. Encourage them to move slowly for a slow song and speed it up when the music gets faster. Don’t worry about doing “real” dance moves, the balance, coordination and rhythm learned from just moving to music helps with all sorts of learning in the dance classroom and the school classroom.
If you’re looking for some new music, here are some fun recommendations…
We use these two albums in our Twirl Curriculum so your dancers will be familiar…
Ellie Holcomb – Sing: Creation Songs
Ellie Holcomb - Sing: Remembering Songs
If you’re looking for some silliness AS WELL AS some great Scripture songs, you’ll LOVE these…
Slugs & Bugs – Under Where?
Slugs & Bugs – Sing the Bible – Volumes 1, 2, 3 & 4
GRAB A PROP
We use props each week in our classes to help with engagement as well as rhythm and grace. Since each family has Play Bags at home, you can use them for some fun around the house! Just make sure everything makes it back into the bag for class each week. 😊
Ribbon sticks and scarves are fun for dancing to classical music or Frozen, of course.
Rhythm sticks are fun for keeping the beat to an upbeat song.
Teddy bears and dollies are fun for practicing balance. Put them on your head and see who can walk the farthest without it falling off!
GET OUTSIDE
Dancing outside is always a good idea! Here are some fun ideas for your next outdoor adventure…
Practice bunny hops or chasses (galloping) on your next walk! Dancing along the way is a great way to get out some extra energy.
Use a jungle gym as a ballet barre! You can practice plies (bending knees) and passes (bringing your toe to your other knee) anywhere!
March around and make your next walk a parade! Add some music and maybe some neighbors will join you!
I hope these ideas help you and your Twirl dancers keep dancing this summer! Enjoy your time together and HAVE FUN with your littlest dancers!
Blessings to you all!
Ms Jennifer