Choreograph a dance for your Camp DIY team
Work with your Camp DIY team to choreograph a short dance, invent moves, choose music, practice formations, and perform together for friends and family.
About this activity
Work with your Camp DIY team to choreograph a short dance, invent moves, choose music, practice formations, and perform together for friends and family.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Gather your Camp DIY team in the open space.
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Step 2
Pick one song or a 60–90 second section of a song you all like.
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Step 3
Decide on a fun theme or mood for your dance.
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Step 4
Ask each team member to invent one short dance move.
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Step 5
Have everyone show their move to the group one at a time.
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Step 6
Choose three to five moves from the group to use in the dance.
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Step 7
Arrange the order of the chosen moves into a short sequence.
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Step 8
Assign who will do each move and who will move when.
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Step 9
Mark each person’s spot on the floor with a Post-it note or tape.
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Step 10
Practice the sequence slowly with counts (1-2-3-4) until everyone remembers their steps.
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Step 11
Run the dance with the music at full speed three times to build confidence.
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Step 12
Add a simple costume piece or prop to make the performance fun.
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Step 13
Perform your finished dance for friends and family.
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Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I choreograph a dance with my Camp DIY team?
Start by choosing a short song or a 30–90 second section that fits your group. Pick a style or theme and brainstorm simple moves everyone can do. Break the routine into counts (8-counts), create basic formations and transitions, and assign roles. Teach moves slowly, practice in small groups, then run full rehearsals with music. Add expressions, props, and a dress rehearsal. Keep sessions short, positive, and focused on fun and teamwork.
What materials do I need to choreograph and perform a dance at camp?
You’ll need a music source (phone or tablet) and a speaker, a playlist with approved songs, and a safe open space. Bring markers or cones for spacing, a notebook or phone to record choreography, simple props or costume pieces, water and snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. Optional: a portable mirror, stopwatch, and camera for filming practice and sharing the final performance with family.
What ages is choreographing a dance suitable for?
Choreographing a team dance works well for ages 5 and up, with activities adapted by age. Younger children (5–7) need shorter routines, simple moves, and frequent breaks. Older kids and teens can handle longer songs, more complex formations, and leadership roles. For preschoolers (3–4), keep sessions very short with adult support. Always consider physical abilities, provide supervision, and avoid moves that are too risky for the group.
What are the benefits of choreographing a dance with a camp team?
Creating and performing a dance builds teamwork, communication, and confidence. Kids develop coordination, rhythm, memory, and leadership while practicing problem-solving and creativity. Performing for friends and family boosts self-esteem and presentation skills. The activity also provides healthy physical exercise, encourages cooperation, and fosters friendships. It’s adaptable for different abilities and can be a low-cost way to celebrate accomplishments and practice public performance in a s
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of Post-it notes or tape to mark each person’s spot if those are not available?
If Post-it notes or tape aren't available, mark each person’s spot by placing a small object (a cone, paper plate, stuffed toy) or drawing a chalk circle outdoors where the instructions say to 'mark each person’s spot on the floor with a Post-it note or tape'.
We keep bumping into each other during practice—what should we do?
If dancers keep bumping into each other, follow the step to 'practice the sequence slowly with counts (1-2-3-4) until everyone remembers their steps,' reinforce spacing by marking spots and assigning who moves when, and only run the music at full speed after successful slow runs.
How can we adapt the dance for younger kids or older campers?
For younger children, shorten the sequence to three simple moves, use big visible Post-it/tape spots and count out loud during the 'practice the sequence slowly' step, while older kids can pick more moves, add complex transitions, and include costume pieces or props from the 'Add a simple costume piece or prop' step.
How can we extend or personalize our finished dance beyond the basic steps?
To personalize and extend the activity, pick a strong theme, add matching simple costume pieces or props as instructed, create formations when you 'arrange the order of the chosen moves,' film the performance, and share your finished creation on DIY.org.