Dance in the Middle of the Band Circle

The group forms a circle of musicians while one child dances freely in the middle; the circle matches its music to the dancer: loud for jumps, soft for slow moves. It builds free body expression and the confidence to dance in front of others.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle with instruments, the teacher dances in the middle while the circle plays along (2 min).
2. Explain the switch: the dancer sits next to someone who hasn't danced yet and hands over the turn (1 min).
3. A volunteer dances; the circle follows: jumps, loud music; slow spins, soft music; freeze, silence (4 min).
4. Now two dance at once, holding hands or on their own, for anyone shy about going solo (3 min).
5. Everyone into the middle to dance for a bit while the teacher plays for all (2 min).

Rules

• The dancer decides how to move; the circle follows.
• We clap for every dancer.
• If you don't want to dance alone, bring a friend.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the dance can be arms, trunk and wheelchair turns, with the whole middle space for them.
• Autism: never require going in; they can be the musician who signals when the dancer switches.
• Hearing impairment: the circle moves the instruments in big visible ways, and they can feel the drum with a hand on the floor.

Learning goals

• Express yourself freely with your body.
• Build confidence moving in front of the group.
• Listen to and accompany someone else's movement.

Equipment for a class of 25

• homemade shakers: 10
• rhythm sticks: 8
• bucket drums: 7

Teacher tip

Break the ice by dancing a bit silly yourself; it lowers everyone's embarrassment. Keep turns short, 20 to 30 seconds, so lots of children get to dance.

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