The Maypole Ribbon Dance
Inspired by the traditional ribbon dance around a pole (the maypole, found in festivals in Spain and many other places), each child holds a ribbon tied to the top of a pole held by an adult and circles around it, changing direction and moving in and out. It builds moving in a circle, orientation and the fun of a shared folk dance.
How to play
- The teacher shows the pole with its ribbons and explains that in many towns people dance like this at festivals, braiding colorful ribbons (2 min).
- Each child takes the end of a ribbon and we form a circle around the pole, keeping the ribbon a little tight (2 min).
- With music, we walk in a circle one way; when it stops, we switch direction (4 min).
- We tiptoe in toward the pole (ribbons go slack and rise) and back out (ribbons pull tight), like a flower opening and closing (3 min).
- Swap groups: the children who were clapping along now dance and we repeat the circle and the flower (4 min).
Rules
- I walk at the same pace as the friend in front.
- I don't let go of my ribbon until the teacher says so.
- If someone stops, we all wait.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, they just walk in a circle one way with the adult setting the pace, in a small group.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, circle with direction changes and the flower opening and closing.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, alternate children go inside and outside with side steps, like a simple first braid.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child in a wheelchair holds their ribbon with an adult alongside; the circle moves at their pace.
- Visual impairment: hand on the shoulder of the friend in front as well as holding the ribbon.
- Autism: the child can start in the middle holding the pole with the adult, watching the dance from there.
Learning goals
- Move in a circle while keeping the same distance from the center.
- Change direction on a signal.
- Learn about and appreciate a traditional dance.
Equipment for a class of 25
- palo de escoba forrado: 1
- cintas de tela con palito: 12
- música
Teacher tip
Tie ribbons about six feet long to the top of a padded pole, with no wands on the children's ends, and always have an adult hold it firmly. With 12 ribbons, half the class dances at a time while the other half claps along.
PatioLab has "The Maypole Ribbon Dance" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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