Intro to Highland Dance Ages 3-6

The students will learn the basic foot and arm positions through music and songs. Coordination activities will also be included. We will start to learn Pas de Basques, an introductory dance that 4 to 6 year old dancers compete in.

Class 1:

“5 Little Monkey’s” and  “Where is Thumpkin Song” to learn finger positions and practice coordination.
“Beehive” song to learn first position
Butterfly stretch and where will you fly to?
Start to learn Hop Scotch Polka-go over spring points, a bow, and jumping on 2 feet-both in 1st pos. and 2nd pos. 
Start singing Pas de Basques song-“1,2 Buckle My Shoe”

Class 2:
Repeat “5 little Monkeys”, “Where is Thumpkin,” and “Beehive song.”
Do butterfly stretch, add in hamstring stretch-open flower and close flower, climb a rope to sit up and work on abdominal strength
Review spring points, bow, jumping on 2 feet
Dance the Hop Scotch Polka while singing its song.
Sing Pas de Basques Song together-1,2 Buckle My Shoe
Start basics of Pas de Basques-step and point foot in 3rd Position.

Class 3:
Sing “5 Little Monkey’s”, “Where is Thumpkin,” “Beehive Song.”
Butterfly stretch, where are you flying?
Hamstring stretch-flower, Abs-climb a rope
Dance Hop Scotch Polka one time through
Sing Pas de Basques Song together-“1, 2 Buckle My Shoe”
Go over Basics of Pas de Basques: step and point foot in 3rd position, repeat on other side.
Stamp the bug-teach kids to add the back beat. Step, place foot in 3rd, stamp the bug with the back foot, repeat.

Class 4:

Same as class 3, but add elevation (hopping and springing) to the Pas de Basques.


About the teacher:
Susan Tapp has been dancing for 26 years. She has studied under the guidance of her mentors and dance teachers, Jo Kalat, and Christie Freestone. An eight time USIR (National) representative, she has finished in the top six in the nation in highland dance in 2000,2002,2004, and 2007. She is certified with the British Association of Teachers of Dance, with her fellows in Highland and members in National dances. She received highly commendable on both exams.

Susan graduated from Alma College (MI) with honors, with a Bachelors of Arts and a Program of Emphasis in school counseling. This program included an intense study in both education and psychology. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work in 2015 from East Carolina University. 


Highland dancing is a wonderful way to:
Learn about your Celtic Heritage
Gain long-lasting friendships
Learn good sportsmanship
Learn good time management skills
and do all of this while having FUN and staying FIT!