Summer is the ideal time for children to stay active, discover new interests, and express themselves through dance. Whether your child is an experienced dancer or just beginning, dance challenges and contests provide a fun way to keep them engaged and inspired. Here are some exciting dance activities to try this summer, perfect for both home and community settings.
1. Freestyle Dance Challenge
Encourage creativity and spontaneity with a freestyle dance challenge. Choose a mix of music genres and let children create their own routines on the spot. This activity boosts creativity and helps children build confidence while expressing their unique styles. Capture their performances on video to create a memorable dance compilation to share with friends and family.
2. Themed Dance Contests
Host a themed dance contest where each participant choreographs a routine based on a specific theme, such as "superheroes," "fairy tales," or "summer fun." This adds an extra layer of creativity as dancers interpret the theme through their movements and costumes. Themes can be broad, allowing for diverse interpretations and styles.
3. TikTok Dance Challenge
TikTok is popular for its trending dance challenges, especially among young people. Find a trending dance, learn the moves, and create your own version to share online. This activity helps kids connect with friends and participate in a wider dance community. Ensure that social media use is supervised for safety and age-appropriateness.
4. Dance-Off Competitions
Organise a friendly dance-off competition where participants showcase their best moves in pairs. This can be a fun, competitive environment that encourages dancers to push their boundaries and try new things. Friends, family members, or fellow participants can serve as judges, scoring based on creativity, energy, and technique.
5. Choreography Project
Challenge children to create and teach their own choreography. This project not only enhances their dance skills but also teaches leadership and communication as they instruct others. The final performance can be a virtual or in-person event, bringing together participants and an audience to enjoy the new dances.
6. Flash Mob Dance
Organise a flash mob dance where a group of dancers unexpectedly perform in a public space. This is an exciting and memorable experience for both participants and spectators. Plan the routine, choose a location, and coordinate the timing to surprise and delight onlookers. Remember to get any necessary permissions if you're planning to perform in public areas.
7. Dance Relay
For a unique twist, try a dance relay. Each dancer performs a segment of a routine before "passing the baton" to the next dancer. This can be done in person or via video, with each dancer adding their own flair to the routine. It’s a great way to build teamwork and showcase individual strengths within a group.
8. Costume Dance Challenge
Combine dance with costume creation in a costume dance challenge. Participants design a costume and choreograph a dance that complements their outfit. This activity encourages kids to think about how costumes can enhance a performance and express different characters or themes.
Dance challenges and contests are excellent ways to keep kids active, creative, and connected with their peers. They provide an outlet for self-expression and an opportunity to develop new skills. This summer, try incorporating these dance activities into your routine for a season full of fun and movement.
For parents local to Basingstoke, now is the perfect time to enrol your children in dance and acro classes for September at Lynden School of Dance & Acrobatics. Our classes offer a supportive environment where young dancers can thrive, build confidence, and have fun. Sign up now for the first three trial sessions and become a part of the vibrant dance community at Lynden! Enrol here