Dancing all over the world: 11 dance-based activities to get your kids moving
- 06 September 2021
Swing it, shake it, move it, make it - it's time to strut your stuff!
We’re continuing our series of articles exploring art forms and themes, including surrealism, theatre and music, for you and your kids to discover. This week, let's add dance into the mix. It’s time to tap your toes, boogie in your bedroom or shimmy down the street. Put on your dancing shoes, and let’s get into the groove! Keep reading to discover the list of dance-based activities and events for kids this Autumn.
Are you getting involved? Share your thoughts and photos #FantasticforFamilies and tag us on Instagram @fantasticforfamilies, Twitter @fantasticforfam and Facebook @FantasticForFamilies.
In-person events:
it’s ok invites us to get up close to an intimate dance piece exploring the range of emotions young children can experience every day.
In a story full of care, comfort and kindness, follow Laura on a journey of discovery as she navigates feelings of uncertainty, fear, excitement, anger and joy whilst being supported and encouraged by Claire every step of the way. Join the performers as they discover that no feelings are right or wrong; they’re just feelings and it really is ok to feel them.
Where? The Gulbenkian, Canterbury
When? 25 September
What ages is this recommended for? 3-5 years
How much? From £6.50
Dive into the magical world of Club Origami, an immersive and interactive dance show inviting family audiences to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing and moving. Dance, fashion and live music meet the magic of origami to sweep us up on a spirited and inspiring adventure in a land made purely of paper and play.
Where? The Place, London
When? 10 October
What ages is this recommended for? 0-5 years
How much? From £8
Chantry Dance have been inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s story of everyone's favourite mermaid, and given it a wonderful new twist in the tale. Join Chantry for this year's must-see show, featuring stunning contemporary choreography, acrobatics, beautiful costumes and an international cast of exceptional dancers.
Where? Waterside, Sale
When? 30 September
What ages is this recommended for? 6-16 years
How much? From £13
Fast-moving and highly physical, Nobody explores the tension between our inner lives and how we make sense of the world around us. Motionhouse’s renowned dance-circus style combines with mesmerising choreography to tell this emotional and ultimately uplifting story, full of twists and turns.
Packed with visual magic, the world on stage is transformed before our eyes. Digital projections and the shape-shifting set create a constantly changing environment where nothing is quite what it seems...
Where? Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham
When? 22-24 October
What ages is this recommended for? 7+ years
How much? From £10
5.) Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave
Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave are proud to announce A Party Like No Other - Ultimate Family Rave at iconic nightclub fabric in September 2021. Families dance amongst confetti cannons, bubbles, foam, giant balloons and everyone joins together for the parachute dance finale.
This event will be 'Space' themed and will be Out Of This World!
Where? fabric, London
When? 18 September
What ages is this recommended for? 0-8 years
How much? £0 – £14.16
Find out how the Little Prince leaves behind his own tiny asteroid and beloved rose and journeys through the universe, coming face to face with the baffling world of grown-ups! Based on the world-famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Luca Silvestrini’s The Little Prince is winner of the Fantastic for Families’ Best Family Event Award 2020 and was nominated for Best Modern Choreography at the National Dance Awards 2021.
The Little Prince is brought to life using Protein’s critically acclaimed mix of dance, humour and spoken word.
Where? Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead
When? 27-30 October
What ages is this recommended for? 3-16 years
How much? £10 - £12
At-home activities:
Are you ready for a spectacular family rave like you’ve never experienced before? This family project will take you all outdoors, have you creating costume pieces, learning some classic dance moves and most importantly making some incredible memories together, making this a rave experience that the whole family will absolutely love.
Where? At home
When? Available now
What ages is this recommended for? 0-12 years
How much? Free!
8.) Dancing all over The Place
Join at your leisure for our creative, six-part dance series for young people: Dancing all over The Place! In each episode young people will be transported from their homes through movement and imagination, and will discover different dance adventures as they travel to new places on planet Earth; from the highest points of the mountains to the deepest depths of the sea, and everywhere in between!
Where? Online
When? Available now
What ages is this recommended for? 6-10 years
How much? £40
Take part in virtual dance sessions with professional dancers Danni and Alex. We love creating activities for families to get involved in and have fun together! There are lots of dance ideas to try here - watch the videos and have a go!
Where? Online
When? Available now
What ages is this recommended for? Children and young people
How much? Free!
Are your kids ready to be fabulous, celebrate and pose pose pose!?
Inspired by the vogue ballroom scene of the 80s, House of Ghetto’s Darren Pritchard runs a high-energy, kid-friendly recorded session to teach the whole family the basics of voguing, to let it all out, have fun and pose at home.
Where? Online
When? Available now
What ages is this recommended for? 5-13 years
How much? Free!
Do you like to move to music and express yourself? Join Ana Almeida as she explores Anna Clyne's Sound and Fury.
Moving Music is ideal for children in Primary 4 - 6 (ages 7 -10) to learn about music through movement. In this resource you will find five short Moving Music films (5-10 minutes each), background videos and downloadable guidance notes. Watch the films and follow Ana's movements, then have a look at the notes for more activities. Enjoy!
Where? Online
When? Available now
What ages is this recommended for? 7-10 years
How much? Free!
Want to know more? Sign up for the Fantastic for Families newsletter to keep up-to-date with the best events and activities for families. Check out our activity library and physical and online event listings for even more ways to get creative.
