6 min
Celebrate International Dance Day with our fun ideas and activities, ideal for encouraging children to dance.
International Dance Day is held on the 29th of April each year. It's organised by the International Theatre Institute and aims to raise awareness of dance across the world, bridging cultural, political and language barriers by bringing people together through the medium of dance.
Read the blog below to find a range of dance ideas and activities to do with children at home.
The day is solely to raise awareness and inspire movement through dance. Children can get involved in dance at home a variety of ways.
You could play your favourite tunes and create your own choreography, using children's songs with actions. Or how about introducing your child to the brilliance of classic dance routines from your youth or watching videos of different dance performances?
You could also take a look at the Parents Hub, where you'll find a wealth of dance activities and ideas for children.
There are lots of ways to get involved:
1. This great dance warm-up or cool-down game encourages your child to listen for instructions and to complete a variety of movements. Each instruction is based on the functions of a TV remote control.
2. These fabulous Elements of Dance posters will teach your child all about the basics of dance.
3. Your child can discover dances from all around the world with these cards. Which ones would they like to try?
4. You could play this amazing Famous Dance Styles charades game. Get the whole family involved! Who can guess which dance style you are doing?
5. Your child can learn about the lives of famous dancers Anton Du Beke, Darcy Bussell and Gene Kelly with these fact files.
6. Your child will enjoy creating their own dancing raisins with this fun science experiment which investigates why an object that normally sinks, floats.
7. Have a go at creating your own choreography with this Spelling Alphabet Dance Activity.
8. These illustrated instructions show the basics of Highland Dance. There are also some suggestions on what music to play along.
9. Your child will love this super song to sing along with Ronald the Rhino. Can they dance like a Javan rhino?
10. This bunting comes with a ballerina template to cut out and instructions to make paper snowflake tutus to drape over her skirt! Simply thread some string through her arms and have ballerinas dancing across your classroom.
Or simply have a go at one of these 10 quick dance games for kids to try at home!
Videos are a great way to engage your child in their learning. Here are a few dance videos to try at home:
This video shows your primary school-aged child the basics of street dance:
As well as homework tips, there’s so much more to discover at Twinkl.
Our Twinkl Blog Page is full of information, facts and fun activities on every topic. You’ll be thrilled to know that they don’t cost a penny to read.
Are you looking for educational videos? If so, why not take a look at Twinkl Kids TV or Twinkl Parents? You and your child will be spoilt for choice with the videos on offer.
You’ll also be pleased to discover what’s on offer at our Homework Help. There are facts, information and help for your child throughout their primary school journey, from long division, amazing Victorian facts and the history of pop music.
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