Improvise a dance
Create and perform an improvised dance by choosing music, exploring movements, and building short routines to express ideas and practice rhythm and creativity.
Step-by-step guide to improvise a dance
Basic & Easy Kids Dance Steps | MGS Dance Studio | Beginner dance steps
Step 1
March in place for 30 seconds to warm up your body and get your heart beating.
Step 2
Pick one song that makes you excited to move.
Step 3
Press play on your song so the music starts.
Step 4
Clap or tap the main beat out loud for 20 seconds to feel the rhythm.
Step 5
Move only your arms for 30 seconds and try different arm shapes and speeds.
Step 6
Move only your legs for 30 seconds and try steps hops and swings.
Step 7
Move around the space using high and low levels for 30 seconds to explore where you can dance.
Step 8
Choose two moves you liked and link them into a short 4-count phrase.
Step 9
Repeat that 4-count phrase three times in a row to make it steady.
Step 10
Create a second 4-count phrase to add after your repeated phrase.
Step 11
Choose a facial expression or energy to use while you dance.
Step 12
Dance your full routine to the song from start to finish two times practicing your expressions.
Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of a music player if we don't have one to press play on the song?
If you don't have a music player, use a phone, tablet, laptop, or a free streaming app to press play on your chosen song, or have an adult sing or beatbox the main beat during the 'clap or tap the main beat' step.
I'm having trouble linking two moves into a steady 4-count phrase—how can we fix that?
To troubleshoot linking two moves, slow the tempo, clap the main beat from the 'clap or tap the main beat' step and count '1-2-3-4' out loud as you practice each move so they line up before repeating the phrase three times.
How can this activity be adapted for younger or older kids?
For 3–5-year-olds, shorten the marching and movement segments to 10–15 seconds and make 2-count phrases instead of 4-counts, while tweens and teens can keep the full 30-second sections and create more complex second 4-count phrases or add faster tempos.
How can we extend or personalize the dance after we finish practicing and before sharing it on DIY.org?
To enhance the routine, add a prop like a scarf during the 'move around the space using high and low levels' step, pick a signature costume or facial expression from the 'choose a facial expression' step, and film both full runs to edit into a single clip to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to improvise a dance
Kids Dance Tutorial | Part 2 | Dance Classes for Kids | Easy Dance Steps for Kids | Choreo N Concept
4 Videos
Kids Dance Tutorial | Part 2 | Dance Classes for Kids | Easy Dance Steps for Kids | Choreo N Concept
BASIC DANCE MOVES FOR BEGINNERS | EASY TUTORIAL
Learning to dance | Educational Videos For kids | Dance moves for begginers
Dance Tutorial for 3 to 7 years Kids | 5 Basic Steps | Deepak Tulsyan | G M Dance | Part 3
Facts about dance and creative movement for kids
🤝 Contact improvisation is a partner-based style from the 1970s that explores weight-sharing and touch.
🧠 Dance improvisation boosts creativity and quick decision-making by asking your brain to invent moves on the spot.
🔢 Dancers often build short routines in 8-count phrases — it makes learning and remembering moves easier.
💃 Many modern dance pioneers used improvisation to discover new movement ideas and break dance rules.
🎵 Practicing improvisation to different beats helps kids sharpen their sense of rhythm and timing.
How do I guide my child to create and perform an improvised dance?
What materials or space do we need to improvise a dance at home?
What ages is improvised dancing suitable for, and how should activities be adapted?
What are the benefits of improvised dance for children?
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