I am teaching hip hop jazz dance classes ages 3-4 1/2 - please offer advice and ideas!!?

Question

I work at a facility that is fairly new and they are trying a variety of different classes to see how they go. I teach all of the dance classes and have no problem with things like creative ballet for ages 3-4 1/2 and hip hop jazz for ages 6-9. They surprised me with hip hop jazz classes for ages 3-4 1/2. It was the hardest class to teach with the little ones not having much in their skill enough to step touch.

Can anyone offer suggestions for games, activities, stretches, routines, sources, and/or techniques that I can pass along to these young children to have a fulfilling dance class for this age? Any advice would be great!

Thanks!

Answer 1

I really wish these types of classes were around this area so that my son could be in them.  Try looking on youtube for videos, maybe you can find some ideas.

Answer 2

You really know the answer.The only hip hop those kids are ready for is the Bunny Hop. If you have to teach the class make it as creative as your creative ballet. Let them move to the music! Kids this young are not ready for formal dance training and you run the risk of hurting their bodies if you try and force them into unnatural positions. Focus on games such as Hokey Pokey with a beat. So much of good hip hop is quite suggestive. Resist the temptation to make them move like 17 year olds, no matter how "cute" some people may think it is. And find a studio to teach at that understands child development.