Movement is an integral part of my music instruction. From exploring Laban efforts to teaching folk dance to students, movement is infused into every lesson. In my last post, I laid out my sequence for instruction that helps guide my students to move through and to music. That sequence included:
- Readiness activities to explore coordinating their bodies and movement through Laban Efforts
- Scattered formation dances
- Stationary dances
- Simple circle dances
- Simple partner dances
- Follow the Leader or mirroring activities or dances
- Dances in other formations (longway sets, concentric circles, square dances, etc.)
In this post, we’re going to explore stationary dances and activities that build your students’ readiness for folk dance.
Stationary Dances
What is a stationary dance? Simply, it’s a dance that is done in place. In my classroom, I use a series of carpet spots on the floor. Each child has an assigned spot to sit/stand in class that provides them self space in the music room. A stationary dance requires that student to stay on that dot to perform the dance.
Why are stationary dances important? They provide students an opportunity to learn how to move their bodies to dance vocabulary without coordinating the movements with others. What dance vocabulary might a student need to learn?
- Start/Stop
- Forward/backwards
- Up/Down
- In/Out
- Left/Right (clockwise/counterclockwise)
- Over/Under
- Around/Through
Dancing Bear
Dancing Bear is a traditional folk song with lots of directional movement. The A section could be used for beat movement while the B section has directional movements to do. I like using Dancing Bear because I can also make a connection to form with students. You might also consider using these other songs:
- Hokey Pokey
- Teddy Bear
- Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
- A Sailor Went to Sea
The Construction Worker
If you don’t already follow Mr. DelGaudio’s page, run, don’t walk to YouTube! So many amazing songs and activities for elementary music! The Construction Worker is a favorite for my students (especially the boys)! These are a bit reminiscent of the Feierabend Move It Videos but a bit more dressed up!
Alley Cat
Listed as an individual dance, Alley Cat is from Phyllis Weikart’s book, Teaching Movement & Dance. It has basic, directional movements using legs and arms and moving in space. It feels like such a simple dance, but if I want students to be able to do more complex folk dances, following basic directions like left/right, step, jump, clap, etc. set the foundation for that work!
Simple stationary songs and dances set the foundation for all folk dance work that is to come in the older grade. These songs and dances teach and reinforce basic, directional dance vocabulary!
Do you have a favorite stationary dance? Leave it as a comment below!
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