Get Moving with Folk Music Dancing: Fun for Elementary Music Classrooms

Folk Music Dancing is a fantastic way to energize your elementary music classroom, get students moving, and introduce them to diverse cultures. It’s more than just physical activity; it’s an engaging way to explore music, tradition, and build essential life skills. If you’re looking for a dynamic addition to your music curriculum, folk dancing offers a wealth of benefits and is easier to incorporate than you might think. Let’s explore how to bring the joy of folk music dancing to your students.

Why Integrate Folk Music Dancing into Elementary Music Education?

Folk music dancing offers a rich tapestry of benefits that extend beyond simple physical exercise. It’s a vibrant gateway for students to explore different cultures and musical styles from around the world. Through movement and rhythm, children develop crucial coordination skills and enhance their understanding of musicality. Beyond the individual benefits, folk dancing is inherently social. It encourages teamwork and cooperation as students learn to move together, listen to each other, and navigate dance formations as a group. These collaborative experiences foster essential social skills and create a positive classroom environment where everyone can participate and have fun. And yes, fun is a key element! Students genuinely enjoy folk dancing, making it a highly effective and engaging teaching tool.

Essential Resources for Folk Music Dancing Instruction

To effectively bring folk music dancing into your classroom, having the right resources is crucial. Fortunately, there are many excellent materials available specifically designed for elementary music educators. One highly recommended resource is from New England Dance Masters, offering a wide array of books and recordings suitable for various age groups, from preschool to middle school. Their materials are known for being comprehensive and teacher-friendly.

Another invaluable resource is “Teaching Movement and Dance: A Sequential Approach to Rhythmic Movement” by Phyllis Weikart. This book provides detailed instructions and teaching methodologies for a vast collection of folk dances. For accompanying music, Weikart’s “Rhythmically Moving” series is highly recommended. While some of Weikart’s older publications might be out of print, they can often be found at online used bookstores like ThriftBooks and AbeBooks, or music education retailers such as West Music. Titles like “Movement in Steady Beat: Activities for Children 3 to 7” and “Movement Plus Rhymes, Songs & Singing Games: Activities for Children Ages 3-7” are particularly useful for younger elementary grades.

For readily accessible collections, consider “120 Singing Games and Dances for Elementary Schools” by Lois Choksy and David Brummitt. This book organizes dances by skill level, making it easy to find appropriate dances for different grades. John Feierabend’s “The Book of Song Dances” is another excellent resource, dedicated to preserving and promoting folk dance traditions in education. (Note: these are affiliate links and will not change your purchase price).

Visual aids can significantly enhance the learning process for folk dances. Folk dance formation posters are incredibly helpful for students to understand spatial arrangements like circles, longways sets, and squares. These posters provide a bird’s-eye view, making it easier for children to visualize and execute formations correctly. Consider using innovative poster sets designed specifically for folk dance formations in the elementary classroom to simplify instruction and maximize student understanding.

Visual aid for folk dance formations in elementary music class, showing circle, longways set, and square formations

Simple and Engaging Folk Music Dances for Elementary Students

Ready to get started? Here are some easy and engaging folk dances perfect for introducing folk music dancing to your elementary music classes. These dances represent various cultures and musical styles, offering a diverse and enriching experience for your students:

1. Sasha (Russia): A lively, free-form Russian dance with lyrics. “Sasha” is a common nickname in Russia. This dance has two sections: one where students dance with a partner and another where they move to find a new partner, promoting interaction and spontaneity.
2. Bo Diddley (United States): An energetic longways set dance, ideal for younger children. It uniquely incorporates rhythmic instruments, adding another layer of musical engagement and fun.
3. Seven Jumps (Denmark): A circle dance from Denmark that progressively adds body motions and balancing elements. This cumulative nature helps with memory and coordination, challenging students in a fun way.
4. Chimes of Dunkirk (France/United States): Adapted from a French circle dance into a longways set, this dance is known for its lighthearted and cheerful character. It’s a great choice for introducing French folk dance traditions.
5. Alabama Gal (Scotland/United States): Originating from Scotland but becoming an American favorite, particularly popular in the 19th century. This dance offers a glimpse into the historical roots of folk dance in America.
6. Troika (Russia): A Russian dance named after a traditional three-horse sleigh team. This dance often involves three dancers moving together, symbolizing the troika, and brings a unique cultural element.
7. Virginia Reel (United States): A vibrant and historically significant folk dance popular in colonial America. It includes a variety of classic folk dance moves like do-si-do, sashay, and strip the willow, providing a rich movement vocabulary.
8. Mexican Hat Dance (Mexico): A high-energy Mexican dance characterized by rhythmic footwork and a fast tempo. It’s an excellent choice for developing rhythm and introducing students to Mexican musical culture.

Tips for Successfully Teaching Folk Music Dancing

To ensure a successful and enjoyable folk music dancing experience for your students, consider these helpful tips:

• Start Simple: Begin with dances that have straightforward steps and formations. Gradually introduce more complex dances as students gain confidence and skill.
• Clear Instructions: Provide clear, step-by-step instructions and demonstrations. Break down each dance into manageable parts and practice sections individually before putting the whole dance together.
• Visual Aids: Utilize formation posters and videos to help students visualize dance patterns and movements. Visual learners will particularly benefit from seeing the dances demonstrated.
• Repetition and Practice: Repetition is key to mastering folk dances. Practice each dance multiple times over several sessions to reinforce steps and build muscle memory.
• Create a Positive Atmosphere: Encourage a supportive and fun learning environment. Emphasize participation and effort over perfection, especially when students are first learning.
• Cultural Context: Briefly introduce the cultural origin of each dance to provide context and enhance understanding and appreciation.
• Music Selection: Choose authentic and high-quality recordings of folk music to accompany the dances. The music is integral to the experience and helps set the tone and rhythm.
• Adaptations: Be prepared to adapt dances to accommodate students with different abilities or classroom space limitations. Modifications can ensure inclusivity and participation for all.

By incorporating folk music dancing into your elementary music classroom, you’ll not only enhance your curriculum but also create lasting, joyful memories for your students. The blend of music, movement, and cultural exploration offers a uniquely enriching educational experience. So, take the leap and get your students moving to the rhythm of folk music!

Have you tried folk music dancing in your classroom? What are your favorite dances or resources? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below or reach out via email at [email protected] or on Instagram @bethsmusicclassroom.