La Tarara Chair Dance

The whole group, teacher included, dances in chairs to La Tarara, a traditional Spanish children's song, with arm, trunk and foot moves. It builds rhythm, coordination and knowledge of a folk song, with everyone at the same height.

How to play

1. Everyone sits in chairs in a circle, teacher too: today we all dance at the same height (1 min).
2. Learn the moves: hands on hips, waving arms on the line "la Tarara, sí" (yes) and tapping heels on "la Tarara, no" (2 min).
3. Dance the first verse slowly, singing along with the teacher (1 min).
4. Second round faster, twisting the trunk side to side (1 min).
5. A child suggests a new move for the chorus and everyone copies it (1 min).
6. Last round: whoever wants to stands up and whoever wants stays seated, but we all dance together (1 min).

Rules

• My bottom stays on the chair until the last round.
• I move my arms and feet without hitting my neighbor.
• We all sing together.
• When someone suggests a move, we copy it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the dance is designed to be done seated, so the child joins in fully; if feet don't move, they tap the "no" with hands on knees.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: start each move with a clap held high above the teacher's head.
• Blind or low vision: a buddy sits alongside and guides their hands to learn the moves.

Learning goals

• Follow the rhythm of a traditional song with the body.
• Coordinate arms, trunk and feet from a seated position.
• Enjoy an activity where everyone takes part equally.

Equipment for a class of 25

• chairs: 25
• music

Teacher tip

Sing it yourself slowly instead of using a recording for the first few days, so you can stop and repeat. Leave space between chairs so arms don't collide.

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