These are active games you probably play with your kids. Each one is a 'dance'.

Instead of letting them lead the entire process, take a turn and introduce some music and dance concepts.

Once you begin, the time will fly by, and you will all feel great!

Keys to Successful Bellydance Time

1. Loosen and expand your definition of belly-dance to include any-dance. The greatest bellydance artists incorporated elements of other dances - maybe your time with kids will be fruitful to your art too!

2. Be willing to explore music (especially their favorites). You can bellydance to lullabies, Raffi, classical, rock, and any 'country' music).

3. Fill them up with positive encouragement. Take hug-breaks. Give high-fives. Tell them how happy you feel when you see them dance.

photo courtesy of MiikaS

4. Let dancing together replace some of the play-time you find boring, so that you are not too burnt-out and exhausted. Maybe you enjoy dress-up, not cars. You like lego, but not barbies. Trade the unsavories for dance-play instead.

5. Introduce concepts and combinations gradually and gently.
Follow the bliss.
photo courtesy of PBoGS

For some guidance on "How to Bellydance", click here.

Warm Up - for Body and Mind

A warm-up gets you physically and mentally 'in-the-mood'. Try some upbeat music and bounce to the beat. Dance each of the body parts - wiggle it, stretch it, draw with it in space.

This only takes a couple of minutes. You don't need to dance for a full song. Whenever it feels right, move on to the next idea.

Dance Concepts

photo courtesy of lhalevi

These concepts are particularly great for children. However, they also assist any 'reluctant dancer' to come out of their shell, and learn that "Anyone Can Dance!". These concepts help to develop body awareness and self-control:

Dance the Weather/Seasons

What kinds of movements come to you with each of these? Try to be the element, or pretend you are in the element:

photo courtesy of visulogik

Skills to Develop

Combine these together, intersperse them into other games or use them alone. Kids love to practice these skills:

Props - For Fun and Inspiration

When working with adults, it is appropriate to access their imagination with memory recall. Children are gathering experiences and building memories.

Thus, with adults, it works to say, "Imagine you have scarves in your hands and move with them". With children, you need to give them the opportunity to experience the scarves in their hands.

photo courtesy of fudj

Here are some prop-ideas you can use in your dance sessions with kids:

photo courtesy of Sideshow Mom

2. Balanced Objects such as spoons, bowls, candle holders (without fire), bean bags, sticks and swords (for advanced dancers only) challenge core strength, concentration, mobility and agility.

3. Also try these props: hats, dolls, ropes, chairs/stools, bells, tamborines and shakers. See what odd and innovative dances you can inspire.

General Reminders and More Tips