Do the Iko-Iko Dance Challenge
Learn traditional Iko-Iko dance steps, practice rhythm and coordination, make simple costume props, and safely perform or record a respectful dance challenge.
Step-by-step guide to perform the Iko-Iko Dance Challenge
Step 1
Ask an adult to show you a short video or tell you a little about the Iko-Iko dance so you learn its cultural background and how to be respectful.
Step 2
Clear a safe open space to dance by moving furniture and making room to step and spin.
Step 3
Put on your comfortable clothes and flat shoes or socks so you can move safely.
Step 4
Warm up by marching in place for one minute and then gently stretching your arms and legs.
Step 5
Watch the basic Iko-Iko steps and copy them slowly so you learn the footwork and arm motions.
Step 6
Practice the beat by clapping or tapping your hands to the music while counting out loud.
Step 7
Make a simple headband by folding your scarf or bandana and tying it so it fits snugly on your head.
Step 8
Make a handheld flag by decorating a paper or fabric square and attaching tape or string to hold it.
Step 9
Put on your headband and hold your flag as you practice the dance steps slowly to get used to the props.
Step 10
Play the music and dance the full routine at performance speed one time through.
Step 11
Ask an adult to check your space and help record or watch your performance so it is safe and respectful.
Step 12
Share your finished Iko-Iko dance challenge 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 I use if I don't have a scarf, bandana, or fabric for the headband or flag?
Fold and tie a clean strip cut from an old t-shirt as a headband and use a decorated paper towel, cereal-box piece, or cleaned napkin as your handheld flag attached with tape or string.
I'm tripping over steps or can't spin—how can I fix that while practicing?
Clear more open space as the instructions say, wear flat shoes or socks, slow down and copy the basic Iko-Iko steps while holding a chair for balance, then add turns only when the footwork feels steady.
How do I change the activity for younger children or older kids?
For younger children, limit it to marching in place, clapping the beat, and wearing a simple tied headband with an adult nearby, while older kids can learn the full routine, make and use the decorated paper or fabric flag, and practice at performance speed.
How can we personalize or extend the Iko-Iko Dance Challenge?
Personalize by decorating headbands and flags from your scarf, bandana, or paper/fabric square, add a unique final flourish to the routine after the spin, and share the recorded performance on DIY.org as the instructions suggest.
Watch videos on how to perform the Iko-Iko Dance Challenge
Equestria Girls - EG Stomp Dance Tutorial
4 Videos
Equestria Girls - EG Stomp Dance Tutorial
Can You Move - THE KIBOOMERS Preschool Dance: Can You Keep Up?
Dance off Challenge | Top This
Meekah Learns How To Dance at O2B Kids Studio! | Meekah Full Episodes
Facts about traditional and cultural dance for kids
🎶 An early ancestor of Iko Iko was recorded as "Jock-A-Mo" by James "Sugar Boy" Crawford in 1953.
🥁 Iko Iko was popularized by The Dixie Cups in 1965 but its catchy call-and-response chorus comes from older New Orleans street chants.
🎭 Mardi Gras Indians hand-sew elaborate beaded suits that can take many months and thousands of beads to finish.
📱 People now share Iko-Iko dance performances online in friendly challenges — recording respectfully helps preserve the tradition.
🕺 Second line parades invite followers to dance and improvise behind brass bands — it's all about rhythm, coordination, and celebration.
How do you do the Iko-Iko Dance Challenge?
What materials do I need for the Iko-Iko Dance Challenge?
What ages is this activity suitable for?
How can I keep the Iko-Iko Dance Challenge safe and respectful?
One subscription, many ways to play and learn.
Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required