[1belle1]

Hello all,
I'm expected to teach dance this year and I have no clue where to start. I never took dance lessons, nor was I exposed to it during my teacher's ed courses. So I really need help getting started. What can I get them to do? Any ideas would be great!

[sunsets11]

what kind of dance??

This sounds fun!

How about a line dance to get started? Or freestyle/slowly growing into a routine? How many kids?

[1belle1]

it can be any kind of dance...but I don't know how to dance. I need direction and ideas.

Try some circle dances (partners are non-existant or change frequently) or folk dances. Southern "Play Parties" (no dancing allowed in some parts of the south, so they called it a play party; yeah, I know), Virginia Reel and it's variations. Simple square dances would be good, too depending on the number of students in your class (8 to a square).

You can learn these dances along with your students and there can be a great social studies tie-in. Google the country or area you'd like a dance to come from and check out the directions.

[jsneed]

Start with a quick stretch to upbeat music, this will get their blood pumping and in high spirits! After that do across the floor, which is basic dance moves across the floor which is always fun. You can google basic dance moves. You could also make a fun dance for them to learn, nothing fancy but a quick dance with a repeat to a song they would know. Hope this helps!