Minute Masterclass Episode 222

Welcome to your one-minute masterclass. I’m Andrea Trench. If you enjoy our minute masterclasses, consider continuing your professional development as a student in our Foundations Course for Early Childhood Dance Educators and as a member of our DiscoverDance Experience online community. You can learn more about both of these opportunities at DiscoverDance.com.

Today, I’m sharing part two of the additional props I like to use that reinforces each of the concepts.

 When exploring the concept of ENERGY, I like to use a foam rimmed, covered fly disc. Dancers can use their smooth energy to slide it across the floor and their sharp energy to practice their battements and kick the disc.

 When exploring the concept of WEIGHT, I like to use yoga blocks and feathers. By stacking the yoga blocks and carrying them from one place to another, dancers have to activate their strong muscles. On the contrary, dancers easily and effortlessly lift and throw the feathers lightly.

When exploring the concept of BODY PARTS, I give everyone a bucket hat and perform the song “I Like My Hat” by Carole Peterson. You can also use a scarf for this activity, but the hat adds an extra special touch.

When exploring the concept of BODY SHAPES, I incorporate vocabulary flash cards. No matter what style we are learning, we can match our body to the image on the card and talk about all the shapes our parts are making.

 When exploring the concept of RELATIONSHIPS, I like to use our tunnel. It’s the perfect visual that allows us to explore all the relationships either with our own body or with a prop, such as a balloon ball.

 For more information, to enroll in the Foundations Course, or to join the DiscoverDance Experience, visit DiscoverDance.com.