If necessary at the beginning, stay at the student's side, facing the same direction, holding one of his hands, moving along together. First, concentrate on just moving to the rhythm; perfection of technique follows with practice.
Ways to move: singly; with partners or in groups; in straight of curving lines; circles or other shapes; forward, backward, sideways, diagonally; in combinations of steps such as 2 skips and 4 gallops and repeat.
Sets and Combinations
Advanced Sets and Combinations
Teacher or onlookers clap the rhythm using hands or rhythm instrument.
tum = a strong beat of one count.
ta = weaker beat of half a count.
& = a pause in action; a transition to a different step
12. Skipping
Series of step-hops changing lead foot after hop. One knee is raised, thigh parallel to floor. Arms swing from shoulders, one forward, one back, in opposition to knee that is raised in front.
Clap: tum ta, tum ta, tum ta, tum ta
13. Waltzing
Set of 3 walking steps alternating feet. One count per step. Count one is emphasized by bending that knee slightly as it steps. Arms outstretched to side for balance.
Clap: tum ta ta, tum ta ta, tum ta ta, tum ta ta
14. Minuet
Pattern of 3 steps with the 4th count a toe point. Begin each set with the foot of the toe that points. Arms outstretched to side.
Clap: tum, tum, tum, tum, & tum, tum, tum, tum
15. Schottische
Series of 3 walking steps with the 4th count being a hop on the same foot that took step number three. Place hands on waist for balance.
Clap: tum, tum, tum, tum, & tum, tum, tum, tum
16. Polka
Two gallops in sequence, with the lead foot being changed at the beginning of the following set of two gallops. Arms swing in opposition.
Clap: tum ta tum, & tum ta tum, & tum ta tum, & tum ta tum
Rhythmic Motor Skills for Toddlers and Preschoolers numbered 1 - 6
Intermediate Motor Skills numbered 7 - 11
Rhythms and Dances for School Age Kids
For grades K-12 in 100 pages, how to teach 16 rhythmic dance steps illustrated and described, plus 9 little dances, 18 ABA and other sequencing combinations, and 4 advanced group dances - for learning kinesthetically about math sets, sequencing, and language phrasing and rhythms. Can be adapted for special needs kids.
For younger kids
Rhythms and Dances for Toddlers and Preschoolers
How to teach toddlers and preschoolers rhythms, floor exercises, large motor skills, expressive dance, kinesthetic mini-lessons and full dances in a 98 pages including photos and illustrations.
About the author
Susan Kramer has been teaching yoga, meditation and dance to students of all ages and abilities since 1965.
Article, illustrations and photo credits Susan Kramer
