Code a Dance Routine
Use block coding like Scratch to design and program a short animated dance routine with coordinated moves, timing, and simple sound effects.
Step-by-step guide to Code a Dance Routine
The Next Step: A-Troupe Torch Dance Tutorial
Step 1
Pick a dance theme and how long the routine will be and write it in your notebook.
Step 2
Open your block-coding editor (like Scratch).
Step 3
Create a new project in the editor.
Step 4
Choose or draw your main sprite (character).
Step 5
Choose or draw a backdrop for the dance stage.
Step 6
Plan 4 to 8 dance moves and how many seconds each move will last and write them down.
Step 7
Drag motion blocks to program the first dance move for your sprite.
Step 8
Add a wait block right after the move to set its timing.
Step 9
Use look or costume blocks to make poses or visual changes for dance steps.
Step 10
Add a sound block to play a short sound effect at the right moment.
Step 11
If you have a second sprite, use broadcast blocks to make both sprites start moves at the same time.
Step 12
Click the green flag to test your dance routine.
Step 13
Adjust move amounts and wait times to improve coordination and test again.
Step 14
Add a loop block if you want the routine to repeat automatically.
Step 15
Share your finished dance routine 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 if we don't have the block-coding editor (like Scratch) or internet access?
Use Scratch Desktop or ScratchJr on a tablet, try Code.org or Tynker offline activities, or write and rehearse the planned moves in your notebook and test them live if you can't open a block-coding editor.
My second sprite won't move at the same time as the first—what am I doing wrong?
Make sure the first sprite sends a broadcast block and the second sprite has a matching 'when I receive' script with the motion and wait blocks so both start their moves simultaneously.
How can I change the activity for different age groups?
For ages 4–6 use 2–4 big, simple moves written in the notebook and large motion/wait blocks; for 7–10 plan 4–8 moves with costume and sound blocks; for 11+ add broadcasts, loops, custom sprites, and variables to control timing.
How can we extend or personalize the dance routine after the basic version is working?
Add backdrop changes and costume swaps using look/backdrop blocks, layer longer sound clips or repeated sound blocks inside loop blocks, sync multiple sprites with broadcasts, and then share the polished routine on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Code a Dance Routine
How to do a Dance Routine from the Next Step! | Tutorial
4 Videos
How to do a Dance Routine from the Next Step! | Tutorial
How to Dance Hip Hop | Dance Tutorial | Hip Hop For Beginners | Fun Activities For Kids
The Next Step: How to Dance Like A-Troupe at Dancemania | Tutorial
Types of Dancing | Music For Kids | STEM Home Learning
Facts about block-based coding for kids
⏱️ Tiny timing tweaks (like adding short wait blocks) can turn a robotic move into a smooth dance step.
💃 Choreographers often count music in groups of eight beats, which makes planning dance moves easier.
🐱 Scratch was created at the MIT Media Lab and first launched for kids in 2007.
🎵 Syncing moves to a song's beats per minute (BPM) makes your routine feel perfectly in time.
🧩 Visual programming uses snap-together blocks so beginners can build logic like fitting puzzle pieces together.
How do I code a dance routine using block coding like Scratch?
What materials and tools do I need to code a dance routine in Scratch?
What ages is coding a dance routine in Scratch suitable for?
What are the benefits of coding a dance routine for kids?
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