~ Welcome DiscoverDance families ~
This is your digital, on-the-go resource.
Together, we can keep your little one movin'-n-groovin', exploring, and learning outside of the dance studio.

Nothing could ever replace the in-person experience DiscoverDance classes offer, however, we know that early childhood learning follows a child wherever they go! DiscoverDance is here to offer resources, creative tips, and encouragement as you continue dance education in the comfort of your own home. 

Below are easy-to-follow activities that both grown-ups and little ones can explore together.
Get creative and have fun!

​Happy Exploring,
Andrea Trench
Founder of DiscoverDance, LLC

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Here's what you need to get started:
* Internet Access
* Source to Play Music
* Spotify Account (Free Option Available)
* Clear, Safe Space to Move
* Props Listed in Activities (if applicable)
* Dance Uniform or Comfortable Clothing

Disclaimer:  You should understand that when participating in any activity, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in these activities, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge DiscoverDance, LLC and participating dance studios from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of the DiscoverDance On-the-Go Series.

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We're exploring...
Pathways

When we explore moving in different pathways, we develop our spatial awareness,
sequencing of spatial patterns, problem solving, and creative thinking ​skills.

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Spotify Playlist

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Activity #1- The Freeze Dance

Song Suggestion:
Freeze Dance
​​Artist:
Fresh Beat Band

​At home prop: Use your creative thinking to find something in your house that you can dance with. For example: a neck scarf, small hand towel, instrument, or a stuffed animal.

A Note about the Freeze Dance: The freeze dance helps us develop our self-regulation. That's our ability to control our decision making without someone else telling us what to do. Our job is to listen to the music and freeze when we hear the music stop. Self-regulation helps us control our impulses and behavior in everyday life, so it's important that we practice this skill often. The freeze dance also increases our heart rate for proper warm up and helps us work off excited energy. Lastly, the freeze dance is an outlet for movement exploration and self-expression.

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Activity #2- Warm-up Series
Follow the directions in the songs below.

Song Suggestion:
1. Gentle Warm Up: Arm Stretch
Artist:
Kate Kuper




Song Suggestion:
2. Gentle Warm Up: Waist Twist
Artist:
Kate Kuper




Song Suggestion:
3. Gentle Warm Up: Head Circles
Artist:
Kate Kuper




​Song Suggestion:
4. Gentle Warm Up: Arm Swings, Arm Circles, and Leg Swings
Artist:
Kate Kuper

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Activity #3- Introduce the Concept

Caregiver:  "When we dance, we can dance in three different PATHWAYS. Look at the PATHWAY of this towel (create straight pathway with towel). It is in a STRAIGHT PATHWAY. Say “STRAIGHT”. Let’s line up like a train and walk on our STRAIGHT PATHWAY. Now, let’s try it in a different pathway (create curvy pathway with towel). It is in a CURVY PATHWAY. Say “CURVY”. Our last PATHWAY to try is ZIG ZAG (create zig zag pathway with towel). Say “ZIG ZAG”. Let’s explore PATHWAYS together! Hop on the train! We’re going on a fun train ride traveling in all the pathways."

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Activity #4- Explore the Concept #1

​Song Suggestion:
Chugga Chugga Choo Choo
Artist:
Choo Choo Soul

Travel like a train moving in straight, curvy, and zig zag pathways.

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Activity #5- Explore the Concept #2

Song Suggestion:
The Goldfish
Artist:
The Laurie Berkner Band

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Activity #6- Skill Development

Skill: Combining Movements
Spatial Patterns: Pathways Across the Floor
Use your creative thinking and problem solving skills to create your own Pathway Course at home!  

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Activity #7- Cool Down
Follow the directions in the song below.

Song Suggestion:
The Cool Down Song
Artist:
Sticky Kids

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Activity #8- Reflection

Review STRAIGHT, CURVY, and ZIG ZAG pathways.
Caregiver: "If you liked moving in STRAIGHT PATHWAYS the most, make a STRAIGHT shape with your body. If you liked moving in CURVY PATHWAYS the most, make a CURVY shape with your body. If you liked moving in ZIG ZAG PATHWAYS the most, make a ZIG ZAG shape with your body. How in the world can we make a ZIG ZAG shape with our bodies??"

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Additional Resources:

Coloring Page

Craft

Bonus Activity

Facebook Page

Virtual Class

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Don't forget to share!

Your teacher wants to see your hard work.
​Be sure to share your coloring page, craft, a picture, or a video of you participating in this on-the-go lesson.
You can email your studio directly or share on social media and tag your studio.