Creating a Dance is as Simple as 1, 2, 3, 4

Creating movement can be daunting - especially if you don't know where to start.  So start at the beginning!!

1. Create a beginning shape:
• Choose a level (high, middle or low)
• Choose to make straight lines, angles or curves with your body
2. Choose a way to move from here to there:
• walk, run, jump, skip, hop, glide, gallop, roll, turn
3. Choose a pathway:
• You can hop in a straight line across the room, in a circle, or make zigzags across the floor
4. Create an end shape:
• It can be the same as the opening shape or a different one.

It's that simple.  If you are comfortable with these 4 steps, here are other elements you can think about:

1. Tempo: slow, medium or fast.  (Play different music and see how your body reponds differently to the melody, tempo and energy of the songs.)
2. Add a feeling state: sleepy, alert, confused, happy, dreamy, etc
3. Add a story:  Take words out of a story or poem and let that be your inspiration.

Here is one of my favorites by Shel Silverstein from the book Where the Sidewalk Ends:

Dancing Pants

And  now for the Dancing Pants

Doing their fabulous dance.

From the seat to the pleat

They will bounce to the beat,

With no legs inside them

And no feet beneath.

They'll whirl, and twirl, and jiggle and prance,

So just start the music,

And give them a chance-

Let's have a big hand for the wonderful, marvelous,

Super sensational, utterly fabulous,

Talented Dancing Pants!

Most importantly have fun exploring movement.  There is no right and wrong.  Creating a dance is like taking a paintbrush to canvas except your body is the brush and the space around you is the canvas.  The best part is you can take the canvas anywhere and you change the colors anytime you want!!

Have fun creating movement with the children in your life!

Sincerely,

Stacey

For more information on the elements of movement check on our website: http://www.leapinglegs.com/danceExclusive.html