Dance Lesson Ideas

Introduction: There are 8 chimes in the introduction. During chimes 6,7,8 a “crazy frog” says, “It’s Christmas.” The steps begin immediately after this.

Step 1 – Skaters’ Glide
Counts 1-8 – (counts 1-4) Moving to the R - Step R to side, close L foot next to R and step L, step R to side, touch the L toe next to the R foot. Cue with the words: glide, close, glide, touch. (counts 5-8) Reverse the movement moving to the L – Step L to the side, close R foot next to L and step R, step L to the side, touch the R toe next to the L foot. Cue with the words: glide, close, glide, touch
ARMS: If students have shakers ask them to hold the shakers about waist level and shake them on each count. If they do not have shakers ask them to shake the hands with each count.

Step 2 – Reindeer Stomps
Counts 1-8 – (Counts 1-2) Stomp R foot forward without taking weight on it, bring it back and step R next to L. (Counts 3-4) Stomp L foot forward without taking weight on it, bring it back and step L foot next to R. Repeat on both the R and L side for counts 5,6,7,8.
ARMS: If students have shakers have them use the shaker on each stomp. Use the shaker in the L hand for the R stomp and the shaker in the R hand for the L stomp. Students without shakers can snap the fingers on each stomp again using opposite hand from foot.

Step 3 – Skiers!
Counts 1-8 –Keeping feet together, bring the heels off the ground and swivel heels RLRLRLRL. The hips and body move as if skiing down the mountain!
ARMS: When the heels swivel to the R the shakers in both hands should shake to the L and vice versa. Students without shakers can move the hands in opposition to the heels.

Step 4 – Snow Shoe Marches
Counts 1-8 – (Counts 1-4) With feet approximately shoulder width apart, step RLRL as if you are wearing big snow shoes. (Counts 5-6) Bring the feet together and march RL making a ¼ turn to the L. (Counts 7-8) move the shakers or clap 2 times.
ARMS: When feet are wide the hands are together moving the shakers or clapping on each count. During the 2 marches and the ¼ turn, the hands are not moving. After turning, the students clap or move the shaker 2x as described above.

Repeat the dance to a new wall.

Repeat the dance 8 times (each time facing a different wall). The “crazy frogs” will again say “It’s Christmas!” The class will be facing the side wall so use your imagination and let the class say the words, lean to the front, move the shakers as fast as possible, etc. The dance begins again and is repeated 2 more times.