Kinderpolka German Children's Dance

A traditional German children's dance performed in pairs around a large circle. It combines side steps toward and away from the center, stamps, body and partner claps, and a playful finger-shaking scold. Students work on rhythm, remembering a sequence and partner coordination.

How to play

1. Large circle of pairs: partners face each other holding both hands, one shoulder toward the center (2 min).
2. Part A: two step-close slides in and three stamps; two slides out and three stamps; repeat (4 min).
3. Part B: slap thighs, clap own hands and clap partner's hands three times; repeat (3 min).
4. Part C: shake the right finger three times, then the left, turn in place with four hops and stamp three times (3 min).
5. Dance it all with music, first with you counting aloud and then on their own, three or four times (4 min).
6. Partner change: after each repetition, the outside dancer moves on to the next partner (2 min).

Rules

• Stamp firmly with the flat of your foot, never near your partner's feet.
• Partner claps use open hands and no pushing.
• When turning in place, let go of your partner and watch your space.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: replace stamps with taps on the armrest or legs, and the partner does the slides toward the wheelchair.
• Hearing impairment: show the counts with raised fingers and place the student facing the teacher.
• Skill level: a student who gets lost can dance as the teacher's partner for the first repetition.

Learning goals

• Perform a traditional dance following its three-part structure.
• Sync stamps and claps with a partner and with the music.
• Adjust to a different partner each time through.

Equipment for a class of 25

• music: 1

Teacher tip

Teach each part with a key word (slides, claps, finger) and call it out while dancing; young students follow your voice. If the circle falls apart, stop and rebuild it before moving on.

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