Twirling Tulle Skirts

Everyone, girls and boys alike, tucks a piece of tulle around their waist as a dance skirt and spins, dances and freezes to the music while watching the tulle fly out. It works on turning both ways, regaining balance when stopping and musical expression.

How to play

1. Everyone tucks a piece of tulle into their waistband all the way around; anyone who prefers can hold it in their hands like a fan (2 min).
2. Turn slowly in place one way and watch the skirt flare out; then turn the other way (2 min).
3. Dance to the music; when it stops, the skirt drops and we freeze like statues without losing our balance (3 min).
4. In pairs, holding both hands, spin slowly together like a pinwheel, then switch directions (3 min).
5. Finish with a bow, take off the skirt and fold it (2 min).

Rules

• Turn slowly so you don't get dizzy.
• Dance in your space without bumping.
• When the music stops, freeze.
• Turn one way, then the other.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the skirt drapes over the knees and the child makes it fly with their arms, or a classmate slowly turns the wheelchair.
• Visual impairment: dance hand in hand with a classmate and spin only while holding on to avoid disorientation.
• Autism: if spinning is overwhelming, the child can wave the tulle in place and join the partner dance whenever ready.

Learning goals

• Turn around one's own axis in both directions.
• Regain balance when stopping.
• Move expressively to music.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tulle pieces: 25
• music

Teacher tip

Make it clear from the start that dance skirts are for everyone; boys are often the biggest spinners. Always alternate directions and keep it to three spins in a row to avoid dizziness.

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