Programs

Each DanceKids story (or theme) is presented over a 5 week period comprising of 1 session per week. The first 4 weeks form the Basic Dance Program. Embedded in these sessions is a creative component (focus point) that builds towards the Themed Program being the 5th and final session of the theme. This creates a gradual development of the story, with a small amount of information presented to the children each week alongside the regular dance movements.

Current programs available –

Every program (theme) developed by DanceKids is extensively researched to give factual, high quality learning experiences. As each story is presented to the children they will be encouraged to be actively involved in discussing the details of the story and sharing their knowledge and thoughts with the group.

The Basic Program sessions concentrate on teaching the fundamental movements that support children in developing co-ordination, rhythm and balance as well as strengthen large muscles. The Basic Dance sessions focus on enhancing children’s creativity through expression and movement. Other positive outcomes in the area of development are – self-awareness, confidence, ability to listen and follow instructions and social and emotional skills. Each session runs for 30 minutes.

The themed programs are designed to stimulate and expand children’s knowledge of their environment. Each theme has delightful costumes that are colourful, appropriate and easy for children to slip on over their clothes. Most stories have Natural Science themes that help children to draw on their own experiences and knowledge. Outcomes of themes help children to develop self esteem, social skills and self confidence. Each session runs for 40-45 minutes.

One-off programs are available, however, the 5 week programs are highly recommended as providing maximum benefit to children. The advantage of a program running continually is that it enables us to focus on, and develop, many skills embodied in dance as well as gaining a greater understanding of the environment we are exploring.

Dancekids Program Outlines

Now you See Me…Now you Don’t (Camouflage) This topic is about Bogong moths and their migration and use of camouflage to protect themselves. As well, Adornment crabs are investigated and their movement and use of camouflage while the Leaf-tailed gecko is discussed and their predator/prey relationship with birds.
Under the Sea The children learn about Humpback whales, jellyfish and some species of fish. We discover why fish swim in schools and have a unique communication system. The movement of these animals and their unique environment under the sea is also uncovered.
Deep in the Rainforest Rainforest seeds, pollination, seed dispersal are the topics covered. All of these subjects are acted out by the children as they dress in the costumes and learn about the growth of the rainforest ecosystem.
Honey Bees The focus is on the bees, how they collect pollen and nectar, how they hold the pollen and make hives. The dance of the bees teaches children about honey bee communication and we learn about the Queen Bee and her eggs.
Dinosaurs What does a Paleontologist do? Children learn about the Wollemi Pine (our Dinosaur tree), some fossils and foraging for them, and the secrets of how scientists know where to look for fossils. We dress up in fantastic costumes and become Triceratops, T. Rex and the mighty flying Pteranadon.
At the Beach The children learn about different swimming strokes and why we must swim between the flags and of course we don’t forget the Sip Slop Slap message. We discover what a rip (current) is and what must we do if we get into difficulty? We play some ball games – great for our hand-eye coordination - and we go surfing – we need to try hard to keep our balance! Then we look into the rock pools at the end of the beach – what do we see? We learn about Hermit crabs and their predators – when we dress up as Hermit crabs and birds we have lots of fun!
Colours and Numbers are Fun! This program assists children with colour recognition as well as identifying colours in the world around them. We play a counting game that involves manipulating small props – we need to learn how to take turns to play this game! What are the Primary colours and why are they so special? We find out how to make secondary colours and if we are big enough we discover what the colour wheel is. We enjoy running under the rainbow or jumping over the river!
Mexico Children enjoy learning about a different country and the culture of the people. We find out where in the world is Mexico and what is the story behind the flag? At the same time we look at the Australian flag and the stars that feature on our flag. The children learn about the Mayan civilization and how these people passed on their knowledge to their children. We also think about how Australian Aboriginal children learn from their elders. We discover the wonderful music and dance of Mexico and how this was influenced by other cultures
We Need Water! (DanceKids latest program) This program has been based on a book called Water…the Amazing journey by Caren Trafford (© 2006 Etram, see website under Links ). Children will discover the atomic make-up of water, the different states of water (Solid – Liquid – Gas) and the water cycle. We will learn about why humans need clean water, how to save and recycle water and how to be waterwise. We will also think about the need to look after our natural areas to help preserve our water catchments and provide more clean water. We will all dress up like Wasu the water droplet and his friends and take the amazing journey.

There are other programs on the drawing board, such as Life in our Back Yard and Australian Desert Life (to name just a couple) that will be coming out soon.
If you have any suggestions regarding themes or topics that would be appropriate and beneficial to your centre or school, please visit the suggestions box or contact me