~ 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...
SIZE

When we explore the concept of SIZE, we begin to understand our full body extension by discovering our near and far reach. We work on spine flexibility and core strength from curling in to a small shape and stretching out to a big shape. These discoveries will lead to proper alignment in our dance training. Understanding the concept of SIZE will also help your dancer discover the full range of motion in their movement.

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Spotify Playlist

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Activity #1- The Freeze Dance

Song Suggestion:
Freeze Dance
​Artist:
Kids Dance Party

​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 BIG like an elephant. Say BIG (in a big voice). Or, we can dance SMALL like a mouse. Say SMALL (in a small voice). Stretch everything away from your belly button and show me how BIG you can stretch your arms and legs. How about your eyes and your mouth? Now, show me how you can squeeze everything in towards your belly button and curl up SMALL. Don’t forget to squish your face and make it SMALL too. Great! Let’s explore SIZE together! Start in a SMALL size. We are a tiny bird egg. Slowly hatch with SMALL movements. As you grow bigger, stretch out your BIG wings. We will try to fly around the room, but we fall to the ground. We’ll go back to our small size and into our egg to try again. This time, we grow BIG and flap our wings in a big shape and fly all around. The music will tell us what to do."

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Activity #4- Explore the Concept #1

​Song Suggestion:
Here's a Little Bird
Artist:
Susan Salidor

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Activity #5- Explore the Concept #2

Song Suggestion:
Ready Steady Go
Artist:
Sticky Kids

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Activity #6- Skill Development

Skill: Leaping
Song Suggestion:
Run and Leap (Allegro 2/4)
Artist:
Kimbo Children's Music

Practice SMALL runs and BIG runs (leaps!).  Leap over a pillow to practice jumping from one foot to the other.

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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 SMALL and BIG movements.
Caregiver: "Remember our bird dance? If you liked dancing SMALL while your egg was hatching, curl up in a small shape. If you liked dancing BIG while flying, stretch out to a BIG shape."

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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.