In dance programs, it will be up to the Instructor(s) to gauge the interests of the group and decide how best to structure the overall term. Please connect with your Senior Instructor or email Liz if you’d like more information/ideas/help planning.
Do you love to dance and move, always grooving around the house or on your way to school? Join us and see where your energy can take you! In this program, students will learn elements of diverse dance styles, while also exploring the possibilities of their own movement. From lyrical, hip hop and jazz to action-based movement games, participants will have the opportunity to explore movement in a fun and supportive atmosphere while developing gross motor skills and creativity. What hidden skills do you have, ready to groove to the surface?
The Hip Hop & Jazz after-school program introduces students to the fundamentals of dance in a fun and structured environment. Participants will learn basic hip hop and jazz techniques, explore rhythm and movement, and practice simple choreography suited to their age and experience level. The program encourages coordination, confidence, and self-expression through music and movement. Each week, students will build on what they’ve learned as they work toward short routines that demonstrate their developing skills.
Dance Party: Swifty Steps and Pop Star Moves is a high-energy movement class designed for young dancers. Kids will groove to upbeat music, learning fun and simple choreography inspired by Taylor Swift and other pop stars. Through creative movement and playful routines, children will build coordination, confidence, and rhythm while dancing to their favorite hits. The class encourages self-expression and teamwork in a positive and supportive environment. No prior dance experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to sparkle like a superstar on the dance floor!
See the Dance Packing List here.
When leading an Explore It! yoga or dance program, it is critical to find joy in every class. It is the job of the Instructor to make space for the participants to co-create the experience as they need or want, allowing them to cultivate a positive connection with the practice of moving their body.
Every yoga and/or dance class should contain these 4 main elements:
- Find a connection.
- This is often done at the top of the session. You might ask each participant an engaging question, or encourage them to share something with the group. Whatever it is, make sure there is time for what you are asking for – and allow each participant the chance to feel heard, seen and valued.
- Do something fun!
- This can happen throughout the session, and may be a part of other elements in your class, but should also be something special. Play a game, dance to a favourite song or just find a reason to be silly for a moment. Finding and sharing joy is the most important element of children’s yoga.
- Take time for a “workshop”.
- Teach something. This might be done through a game with younger students or though a mini-workshop with older students; it might be for 3 minutes or for 20; and it might be something simple like learning the Sun Salutations or more advanced like headstand prep or arm balances. A portion of every session should be carved out for learning, so the participants can gain in skill and confidence.
- Create time and space for relaxation.
- Usually done at the end of every session, make sure to save at least 3 – 4 minutes for relaxation. This should be a time when each participant is on their mat, quietly resting on their own with no interaction with their peers. Note however, that the expectation is not for children to rest as adults would at the end of a yoga class — they may need to sit, have their eyes open, fidget or even change positions often – the only expectation should be for quiet and respect for the silence of their peers.
- One of the best ways to encourage children to rest quietly is to play a relaxing song- let students know that when the song is over, the group will come together to thank each other for the practice.
In this program, Instructors get to combine the fun and energy of a dance class with the playfulness and soothing nature of a yoga class. A typical class plan might look something like this:
- Opening connection: ask the group a question, ask them to share their answer through words AND movement that the group can mimic.
- Have some fun: warm up with a round of freeze dance. Instead of eliminating students, ask the one with the best freeze/pose to pick the theme for the next pose and so on.
- Workshop time: learn some choreography to carry over into future weeks, tackle an advanced combo or learn a few new yoga poses – get the group working together to hone their skills and to get everyone engaged.
- Have some fun: play a yoga or dance based game to lift the spirits and drain extra energies.
- Create some calm: end with movement-based story time, a meditation to song or a slow cool-down stretch to some relaxing music. Thank your students for a wonderful class and dismiss!
If you are a dance or yoga teacher, we have no doubt that you have a ton of favourite games and resources you can turn to. Please reach out to Liz any time, for any lesson planning support you might need. As a dancer for many years and a very highly trained and accredited yoga instructor, Liz has no limit of resources to share.
Some yoga game examples that can be used in any active program (ask Liz for the details if you need them!) are:
| Examples of Calm Movement Games | Examples of Active Movement Games |
| Asking questions – share something! | “I Went to the Supermarket” Game |
| Read a book and make it interactive. | “Let’s Go On A Trip” Memory Game |
| Name the day! | Yes / No Story Telling |
| Ask: What is your Emotional Weather Forecast? | D is For Dog Pose Party |
| Breath sharing circle | “Mr. Pepper Is Ill” Positivity Game |
| Pass the jingle bells | Tall Stories |
| Quiet time with a song | Object Story Creation / Stuffie Yoga! |
| Create a Human Mandala together | Buddy Walk / Human Zipper / Snake Walk / Ping! |
Just Dance Packing List
Additional items may be requested by emailing Liz at any time. Please give at least 1 week notice when requesting supplies.
Note that along with a wealth of games and resources, Liz has a ton of supplies such as lightweight scarves, floor dots, mini stuffies and more that can compliment your program. Email to discuss.
| QUANTITY | ITEM | |
| PAPER | 1 folder | white paper |
| 1 folder | construction paper | |
| PENCILS & PENS | 1 bag | pencils |
| 1 bag | pencil crayons | |
| 1 bag | markers | |
| MUSIC SPECIFIC | 1 bag | percussion instruments |
| 1 | bluetooth speaker and attachments | |
| MOVEMENT SPECIFIC | 12 – 20 | floor dots (these may be available from the school at the discretion of Liz) |
| 2 – 6 | yoga or movement story books (for JK – grade 3 students) |