Minute Masterclass Episode 42

Welcome to your one-minute masterclass. I’m Andrea Trench, founder of DiscoverDance. Even with a solid classroom management plan, we have to remember that we are working with children and the unexpected is bound to surprise us. Getting caught up in the fun and magic of dance class is what keeps your dancers coming back week after week. However, it’s important to have tools on hand to catch your dancers attention and reel them back in. 

Today, I am sharing two of my favorite catch and reel tools, a tambourine (with a mallet)*, I call this my drum and a train whistle*. We use our drum to offer a live music listening activity where dancers dance when my drum shakes and freeze when I beat the drum twice. They get used to the double drum beat meaning to freeze. So, when I need to catch their attention, I pull out my drum and give a double drum beat. I then reel them back in by continuing the listening activity. For the train whistle, I give a little toot, toot to catch their attention, then shout “All Aboard” to reel them in. As my train travels to the next activity, I call out the dancers name with a “Welcome Aboard” to each of the dancers when they join the train. They love hearing their name called in such a positive and fun light, that they will no doubt hop aboard with delight. For more resources, please visit DiscoverDance.com.

*Click HERE to purchase these amazing catch and reel tools!