Mommy and me dance classes are growing in popularity for many mothers who want to spend valuable time bonding with their children. If you’re looking to offer new types of classes at your gym, a mommy and me dance class is the perfect idea. If you host or take part in a mommy and me ballet class, it’s important that you make sure to focus on your baby’s comfort. The best way to do this is by using soft foam tiles and floor mats from Yay! Mats, a company that puts your child’s comfort first. Keep reading for some great ways for instructors to organize the perfect mommy and me class curriculum.
Mommy and Me Dance Class Ideas
It’s important that you have mommy and me dance class ideas if you’re looking to start a class at your gym. If you’re wondering how to get these classes organized, you should start with a simple mommy and me dance class curriculum that will ensure the comfort of both mother and child. Here’s an idea for a basic format that you can follow when teaching mommy and me ballet classes:
- Begin with a welcome routine to get everyone eased into the class.
- Warm up and articulate what you are going to be doing in this class session.
- Start doing some ballet steps, making sure that they are easy enough for a baby or young child to perform. Introduce them into pliés, tendus, arm waves, partner sautés and prop work, making sure to start with the simplest one.
- Do some locomotion, such as fairy runs and marches, while using fun objects like wings and wands.
- Do a fun activity that mothers and their kids can both participate in - -an example could be ring around the rosie.
- Do a goodbye ballet routine.
Though not every mommy and baby dance class follows these exact steps, this routine is a great place to start. As you host more and more classes, you can try mixing it up a bit and bringing your own personality into the class.
Different Props and Equipment That Can be Used
When you’re planning a mommy and me curriculum, you should also consider what props can be used to make the class more fun and engaging. A good prop can make or break a dance class, and will add to the creative control that children have when dancing. Again, make sure that you have non-slip mats to ensure the safety of your child. Some great props that you can use include:
- Hula hoops
- Tulle ribbons
- Small scarves
- Big scarves
- Fuzzy dice
- Pocket dice
- Ribbons
- Artificial flowers
- Cones
- Mini trampolines
- Glow sticks
- Flashlights
- Balloons
- Bean bags
- Pop-up tunnels
There are plenty more props that can make mommy and me dance classes fun and exciting for everyone. Props are the perfect way to get people involved with and invested in the dance practice, and they allow for even more creative expression. If you plan to have a mommy and me dance class at your gym, make sure that you are stocked up on props — the kids will love it.
Choose the Right Music
Choosing the right music for your mommy and me class is another great way to get participants excited to dance. Though you can always use traditional, instrumental ballet music, the children in attendance may want something more upbeat and fun.
When you’re not practicing typical ballet moves and are letting children do their own dance, consider playing upbeat pop made for children. You can also play current popular hits that you’d hear on the radio — as long as you make sure that you are using the clean versions. Check every song on your playlist beforehand to make sure that they are appropriate for kids.
Start Little Ones Off on the Right Foot with Yay! Mats Play Mats
Mommy and me dance classes can be a fun way to lighten up the spirits at your gym, and can provide a way for mothers to connect with their children over a fun activity. Choosing the right mat from Yay! Mats is the first step you should take if you’re choosing to participate in or host a mommy and me dance class. And, if you know a soon-to-be mother or father, consider giving a Yay! Mats dance mat to them as a gift — it’s the perfect way to make sure that they get all of the quality time in the world together.
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