Kids

Creative Movement supports the development of the whole child, fostering expression, collaboration and creativity while developing fundamental aspects of physical literacy. Below you will find step-by-step videos, activity plans, and more to help your child discover the joy of creative movement—all in fun and engaging activities that are easy to do at home. The age-ranges are approximate and we encourage you to dance together as a family. If you are looking for more activities to keep your family active during this time, visit NBS' Online Learning Space, which offers a variety of freely available online dance resources that can be adapted for home use. 

Dance Along Videos - Ages 3-6           At Home Activities - Ages 6-12

Artist Study, Angela Gladue - Ages 8+
 

Your feedback is very helpful as we continue to develop new resources.

Share your experience using our dance resources.
 

A note: We are excited to provide these online video resources but encourage you to follow closely the recommendations of public health authorities. If you are dancing at home, be sure to clear the space before you begin. If you would like any suggestions or recommendations on how to modify the activities or choreography for your context, please don’t hesitate to send us an email at sharingdance@nbs-enb.ca for extra support.

Looking for more creative movement resources for kids? Explore our online learning system for even more ways to keep kids active and engaged:

         

Growing a Seed
Follow along with Ashleigh Powell, for a fun class for kids ages 3-6!

Making Soup
For a fun class for kids ages 3-6, follow along with Nancy Lehan as she dances her way through making soup!

 

Cardiovascular Dance
Follow along with Ashleigh Powell for an engaging class for kids ages 6- 8!

Creative Movement Activities
Keep your kids dancing at home with these fun shorter movement activities below! Activity Plan PDFs are linked below the videos and include in-depth instructions and ideas about how to connect movement to other important skill development. 

       

Open, Close, Cross Activity Plan         Sentence Stomp Activity Plan

 

Join artist Angela Gladue for a study of powwow and hip-hop dance. Angela will guide you through three units: hip hop basics, powwow basics and an original choreography that combines the two styles. 

The first PDF linked below will help dancers track their progress through the movements. The second PDF includes reflection prompts.

Movement Checklists        Video Reflection
 

1. The Bounce

Start by learning the basic bounce. This foundational movement will help you keep the beat and move with style. As you get the feel of the bounce, learn how to layer in your footwork and upper body to groove in your own freestyle.

 

2. The Rock

Now that you’ve learned the up and down motion of the bounce, learn the forward and back motion of the rock. Add in footwork like the outlaw step and the grapevine.

 

3. Hands

Did you know that a lot of hand movements in hip-hop are inspired by the gestures MCs would use while rapping? Use these hand gestures to add meaning and story to your movement. You can also try using angles to add emphasis. 

 

4. Party Dances 1

Did you know that a lot of hip-hop moves were originally done at parties in big groups before ever being done on the stage or in music videos? Learn the first three party dances: the Prep, the Biz Markee, and the Bart Simpson.

        


 

5. Party Dances 2

Learn the next set of party dances: the Gucci, the Rambo, and the Humpty Dance. Can you think of any party dances that are popular today?

    

   
 

6. Free Style

Now it’s time for you to improvise. Use all of the movements and tools you’ve learned and put them together in your own unique way. 

 

1. Basic step

Get started by learning the basic step. This foundational movement will help you find the beat. Imagine your floor is like the drum as you tap your feet in front of you. Then, build on the basic step by practicing it with a bounce and travelling.


 

2. Footwork

Now that you know the basic step, take it further by learning some different footwork variations. Make sure to balance out your movements by repeating everything on both sides.

3. Travelling

Did you know that almost all powwow dances travel in a clockwise direction? Use some of the footwork you already know to move through space.

 

4. Turns and Spins

After practicing all the different footwork variations, explore turning and spinning as you move through space. Learn to spot your head so you don’t get too dizzy.

5. Crowhop

Learn the step that mimics the movements of the crow. Move your feet with a downward emphasis as you weave in and out of your path.

 

6. Music

Check out these bonus videos to learn more about some different ways that the music influences the movement of powwow dancers.

     
 

1. Crowhop Challenge - Part 1

Now that you’ve learned the powwow and hip-hop movements, follow along with Angela as she puts them together in the first half of the choreography.

2. Crowhop Challenge - Part 2

Once you’ve practiced the first half of the choreography and you feel comfortable with the movements, Angela will lead you through the rest.


 

3. Crowhop Challenge - Full Dance

Congratulations on completing all the choreography! Use this video to continue practicing until you feel like you can move through the whole piece without Angela’s help.