Dance for Joy!
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Groove to the beats of "Can't stop the feeling" by Justin Timberlake and show off to your friends! Don’t forget that your posts need to have team stickers to win Camp DIY'21 points.

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Instructions

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Magic In The Air Dance: Zumba Dance For Kids! Dance Moves For Beginners, Kids Fitness | Move Monkeys

What you need
Adult supervision recommended, comfortable clothes, favorite upbeat song, mirror (optional), non-slip shoes or socks, small open space

Step 1

Put on comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes.

Step 2

Clear a small open space so you have room to move safely.

Step 3

Choose your favorite upbeat song and get it ready to play.

Step 4

Warm up by marching in place for eight counts to wake up your body.

Step 5

Practice counting out loud "1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8" while clapping two times to feel the beat.

Step 6

Pick four joyful moves you like (for example: an arm reach a spin a jump a clap).

Step 7

Assign each move to four counts so your routine becomes a 16-count sequence.

Step 8

Practice the 16-count routine slowly while counting the beats aloud.

Step 9

Add big facial expressions and fun energy to each move.

Step 10

Run the full routine to your song three times at music speed.

Step 11

Perform your joyful dance for your family with confidence and a big smile.

Step 12

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!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have non-slip shoes or a speaker for our favorite upbeat song?

If you don't have non-slip shoes, wear clean sneakers or grip socks or practice barefoot on carpet, and if you don't have a speaker play your favorite upbeat song from a phone, tablet, or computer or simply clap the beat aloud as in Step 3.

What should we do if we keep losing the beat when trying the "1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8" clapping or the 16-count routine?

Slow the music and follow the instruction to practice the 16-count routine slowly while counting the beats aloud, and mark each move's first beat with a louder clap or a tap so you can feel the timing.

How can we adapt the dance for younger children or for older kids who want a challenge?

For younger children choose two simple moves and assign each to four counts to make an 8-count loop, while older kids can add spins, jumps, extra counts per move, or run the full routine three times at music speed as in the final steps.

How can we personalize or extend our joyful dance before sharing it on DIY.org?

Add a costume or handheld prop, create a short intro or finale with big facial expressions and fun energy, record all three full runs to pick the best take, and then share that video on DIY.org as suggested.

Related videos

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Basic & Easy Kids Dance Steps | MGS Dance Studio | Beginner dance steps

4 Videos

Fun Facts

🎵 Babies bob to beats — infants can sense musical rhythms within months after birth.

🧠 Choreography trains your brain — learning and remembering steps boosts memory and coordination.

💃 Dance is ancient — cave paintings and carvings show people dancing thousands of years ago.

👯 Most pop songs are in 4/4 time, so counting "1-2-3-4" or an 8-count helps groups stay together.

🎉 Performing for family builds confidence — practicing short home shows can reduce stage fright.

How do I do the Dance for Joy activity with my child?

To lead Dance for Joy, choose one or two upbeat songs and clear a safe space. Start with a warm-up (marching, gentle stretches). Teach a short sequence in 4–8 counts, demonstrating slow then with music. Count rhythm aloud (1-2-3-4), practice expressive moves (arms, faces, spins or jumps), and encourage personal variations. Rehearse a few times, then perform for family. Keep cues simple and celebrate effort to build confidence.

What materials do I need for Dance for Joy?

You need a music source (phone, speaker), a short upbeat playlist, and a clear, non-slip space. Comfortable clothing and supportive shoes, a water bottle, and a timer or phone for counting help. Optional props like scarves, ribbons, hats, or a soft mat for toddlers add fun. A phone or camera can record the performance. Use household items creatively if you don’t have specialized props.

What ages is Dance for Joy suitable for?

Dance for Joy can be adapted for ages 2–12. Ages 2–4: focus on imitation, rhythm games, and simple moves with close supervision. Ages 5–8: introduce short choreographed sequences, counting beats, and basic transitions. Ages 9–12: increase sequence length, add musical phrasing and expressive choices. Adjust complexity, pace, and rehearsal time to your child’s attention span and motor skills; always supervise younger children.

What are the benefits of doing Dance for Joy with my child?

Dance for Joy promotes physical fitness, coordination, balance, and rhythm while encouraging creativity and emotional expression. Practicing sequences improves memory and listening skills; performing builds confidence and social connection. Short sessions can reduce stress, boost mood, and strengthen parent-child bonds. It also supports motor development and language (counting and cues). Focus praise on effort to reinforce resilience and a positive attitude toward trying new things.
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Dance for Joy. Activities for Kids.