Music Box Spin and Freeze
Like dancers in a music box, students spin in different ways while the music plays and freeze in a balance statue when it stops. They practice turns on one and two feet at different levels and posture control after turning.
How to play
- Each student has a hoop on the floor as their music box; space them at least 6 feet apart.
- Teach three turns (3 min): walking turn in the hoop, tiptoe spin with arms up and low crouching spin.
- With music (4 min): spin any way inside your hoop; when the music stops, freeze on one foot for 5 seconds.
- Called turns (4 min): before each song, name the turn and direction, plus the statue (high, low, three body parts down).
- Partner music box (3 min): one winds an imaginary crank and the other spins; when the crank runs out, freeze.
Rules
- Turn only inside your own hoop.
- Switch direction often so you do not get dizzy.
- If you feel dizzy, sit in your hoop and look at a fixed point.
- Statues are silent: hold still with no talking.
Variations
Easier
Use only walking turns and two-foot statues.
Standard
Three kinds of turns and one-foot balance statues.
Harder
Half-turn jumps and statues with eyes closed.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: spins in a wheelchair, or trunk and arm turns while seated, with arm statues.
- Hearing impairment: also signal the stop by flicking the lights or raising a hoop.
- Fitness level: students who master turns try a half turn on one foot.
Learning goals
- Turn around the vertical axis at different levels.
- Regain balance when a turn stops.
- Match movement to the start and end of the music.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music player: 1
- hoops: 25
Teacher tip
Have students spot a fixed point after each turn to prevent dizziness. Use songs with long pauses to build suspense.
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