I am very insecure when it comes to teaching dances. However, this particular dance is so cute and easy that even I can remember and teach it. I used it as a warm-up activity because it gets your heart rate going and is simple to teach.
Use the song Trepak from the Nutcracker. It is just over 2 minutes long. Movement starts right at the first note.
one arm up in the air
2nd arm up in the air
Walk in a circle for 8 counts, ending facing front
Repeat 4 times
4 heel kicks on each foot (total 8 counts)
8 straight jumps
4 heel kicks on each foot
8 straight jumps
4 heel kicks per foot
2 heel kicks per foot
single heel kicks (total of 4 on each foot, going back and forth)
one arm up
2nd arm up
walk in a circle 8 counts
one arm up
2nd arm up
walk in a circle 32 counts (as the song ends, I have the students raise both hands and bow)
That’s it. I go through each movement beforehand without telling them it is a dance. Then just start the music and begin. They immediately smile and get into it. Repeat 2 times so they learn then do. Kindergarten I did not count the heel kicks — just randomly kick.