Why Direction Dance works

Direction Dance works best as one connected sequence built around timing, pattern, and listening. Respond to direction words with dance movements that travel or point left, right, forward, back, high or low. Begin by asking the child to choose two direction words, and let that result prepare them to make one movement for each direction.

Set up — Choose two direction words

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to choose two direction words. Make sure that opening step is comfortable before the child moves on to make one movement for each direction. Keep movement controlled and sound at a comfortable volume during the opening attempt to choose two direction words.

Step 2 — Make one movement for each direction

Allow room for a mistake while the child tries to make one movement for each direction. A self-correction here is more useful than fast repetition before the child moves on to call one direction and perform it.

Step 3 — Call one direction and perform it

After the child tries to call one direction and perform it, ask one brief question about the result. Connect their answer to the next request to mix the two cues rather than explaining it for them.

Step 4 — Mix the two cues

Have the child mix the two cues before offering a solution. What happens here should help them understand how to add a third direction only after the first pair is secure, especially compared with the earlier request to call one direction and perform it.

Step 5 — Add a third direction only after the first pair is secure

Give the child time to add a third direction only after the first pair is secure and notice the result. The following instruction to add a third direction only after the first pair is secure should use what they learned after previously trying to mix the two cues.

What to notice before Add a third direction only after the first…

Do not judge the activity only by whether the sequence reaches the point where the instruction is to add a third direction only after the first pair is secure. Pay attention to whether the child can hear or feel the cue and respond without rushing during the transition from call one direction and perform it to mix the two cues.

Make Call one direction and perform it easier or harder

If the child loses the thread while trying to call one direction and perform it, shorten the pattern and slow the tempo. When that step is secure, change tempo, leadership, or one position in the pattern without changing the setup that leads to mix the two cues.

Finish after Add a third direction only after the first…

Use the point where the child tries to add a third direction only after the first pair is secure as the natural stopping place. Ask one brief question about how it differed from make one movement for each direction, then use the activity search or activity generator for another idea.