Introducing popular music into a family dance program, traditionally focused on children’s songs, can create an exciting and engaging experience for all ages. This exploration of a “Shake, Shimmy” program, revamped with mainstream music, reveals how this simple change can significantly boost caregiver participation and attract a broader audience.
Program Evolution: From Children’s Tunes to Pop Sensations
The standard “Shake, Shimmy” program typically utilizes children’s music to encourage movement and dance among young participants. However, to reach a wider demographic, including adults and families who might not typically engage with children’s programming, a special summer edition was developed. This innovative approach replaced the usual children’s songs with popular, mainstream music. The goal was to demonstrate the library’s diverse offerings, particularly within the Picture/Play/Songs collection, and showcase the appeal of popular music in a family setting.
Program Structure: Books, Beats, and Movement
Book Selection: What a Wonderful World illustrated by Tim Hopgood served as the opening book. This choice was deliberate, moving away from typical introductory books to highlight the Picture/Play/Songs area and the library’s collection of music-related books. Hopgood’s vibrant illustrations beautifully complement the song’s uplifting message, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Prop Integration: A 12′ parachute added a dynamic element to the program. The parachute, a familiar and engaging prop, was used to enhance movement activities and encourage group participation.
Music Playlist: A Mix of Genres and Eras
The carefully curated playlist aimed to bridge generational gaps and appeal to diverse musical tastes:
- Hello & How Are You? — Old Town School of Folk Music
- Happy — Pharrell Williams
- Dance, Dance, Dance — The Beach Boys
- Riptide — Vance Joy
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody — Whitney Houston
- I Will Wait — Mumford & Sons
- Here Comes the Sun — The Beatles
- Shake Hands With Friends — Ella Jenkins
Program Execution and Audience Engagement
To set expectations for this unique “Shake, Shimmy” session, it was announced at the beginning that contemporary songs are generally longer than children’s songs. It was also mentioned that the program’s energy levels would be monitored, with a plan for a gentle wind-down if needed.
The program kicked off with Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” a universally recognized and upbeat track. This song served as an excellent icebreaker, instantly engaging both children and adults. Participants readily embraced the song’s joyful energy with enthusiastic clapping and free-spirited dancing. Following “Happy,” The Beach Boys’ classic “Dance, Dance, Dance” kept the momentum going, seamlessly transitioning from a contemporary hit to a timeless favorite.
Participants dancing with a parachute during a Shake Shimmy program
“Riptide” by Vance Joy introduced a swimming motion activity. While this contemporary track resonated strongly with younger caregivers, it provided a fun, recognizable movement for all participants, even those unfamiliar with the song. Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” then encouraged partner dancing, fostering heartwarming moments of connection between caregivers and children. Children twirled in their caregivers’ arms and held hands, creating a joyful and bonding experience.
The parachute segment began with Mumford & Sons’ “I Will Wait.” The song’s tempo was used to guide parachute movements, starting slowly and building to faster shaking during the chorus. Finally, “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles allowed for creative parachute play, mimicking the sun’s rising and falling motion. When a child playfully exclaimed “OUCH!” due to the “hot sun,” it sparked a chorus of playful “ouches” from the group, highlighting the spontaneous and interactive nature of the program.
Program Impact and Takeaways
The shift to popular music in the “Shake, Shimmy” program proved highly successful. Caregiver engagement noticeably increased, and the evening program attracted families who were new to the daytime sessions. The use of familiar pop songs created a comfortable and enjoyable environment for adults, encouraging them to participate more actively. This adaptation demonstrated the potential of using popular music to broaden the reach of family programs and create memorable, shared experiences across generations.
By incorporating mainstream music into a “Shake, Shimmy” dance program, it not only revitalized a familiar format but also successfully engaged a wider audience. This approach underscores the power of music to connect people of all ages and backgrounds in a library or community setting, making programs more inclusive and appealing to families.
