Bunny Hop Conga Line
A classic party line dance where the group, hands on each other's shoulders, repeats the steps "right, right, left, left, hop forward, hop back, hop, hop, hop" to the music. It builds rhythm, group coordination and a cheerful warm-up.
How to play
- Teach the steps in place without music: two right heel taps, two left heel taps, hop forward, hop back and three hops forward (1 min).
- Repeat with music, each student in their own spot, calling out the steps (1 min).
- Form lines of 6, each student with hands on the shoulders of the person in front (30 s).
- Lines travel around the gym dancing the sequence; the line leader chooses the path (2 min).
- After each run-through of the song, the leader moves to the back so everyone gets to lead (90 s).
- Finish by joining all lines into one big class line for the last round (1 min).
Rules
- Rest hands on shoulders without pulling or pushing.
- Keep hops small so the line stays together.
- The leader steers away from walls, posts and other lines.
- If the line breaks, stop, reconnect and keep going.
Variations
Easier
Dance the sequence individually without forming lines.
Standard
Lines of six with a new leader each round.
Harder
Make one whole-class line and speed up the music.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can lead the line in a wheelchair, marking the beat with their arms.
- Hearing impairment: the leader makes big gestures and the others follow the movement they feel through the shoulders.
- Autism or shyness: allow starting at the back of the line, which is the calmest spot.
Learning goals
- Dance a simple rhythmic sequence to the beat of the music.
- Coordinate movements with a group.
- Learn and enjoy a popular group dance.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music: 1
Teacher tip
Young students tend to take big leaps and the line breaks: insist on small bunny hops. Calling out the steps loudly really helps everyone stay on the beat.
PatioLab has "Bunny Hop Conga Line" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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