Warm Up

Warming up the muscles before class is necessary. Rolling the neck, ankles and torso is very important. This process can be short and organized or students could be asked to do this on their own before class. Make sure the muscles are warm before stretching begins.

Stretching

Stretching is important. It could prevent injury and it should be done before exercise begins.

1. Arms- Cross arm over other side of the body. Pull arm behind head. Circle arms foward and back. Extend arms forward with hands together and then extend back.
2. Back and Side- Stand with feet apart, roll down and back up. Take one arm up and lean over other side of body. Twist side to side.
3. Legs- Legs are most important and will take the longest. Stand with feet together and touch toes. Lunge ("runner's stretch") and hold then straighten legs up and keep nose close to knee. Sit in a straddle and reach over one leg. Face that leg so nose is facing knee. Stretch to middle of straddle. Put legs together and reach for toes.

Strengthening

Don't forget about strengthening the muscles used when dancing. This should be done after stretching, before going across the floor.

1. Abs- Do a few minutes of crunches, varying position. Start with legs bent and feet on floor. Other positions could include legs straight up in air, legs flat on ground, or legs bent with feet pointing toward ceiling. Also, crunch right and left to work the side of the abs. Sit-ups or V-ups can also be done after crunching. V-ups are done by laying flat on the ground and then bringing feet and hands together in the air keeping the body straight.
   
2. Push ups- Don't spend too much time on these. Ten to fifteen regular push ups will do fine. Another arm strenthening exercise is to start in a table top position and bend arms while keeping the rest of the body in line.

Exercises Across the Floor

The amount of exercises is up to skill level and time. Do each exercise on the right and left side. Exercises can be simple or can combine several skills into one trip across the floor.

1. Kicks- A simple combination of step kick will do. For a more advanced group, add directions like side and back kicks.
2. Leaps- Start simple with grand jetes then continue with switch leaps, center leaps, reverse leaps, calypsos, axles, and switch center leaps.
3. Turns- Pique and chaines should be done across the floor. Pirouettes can be done in the center or in a moving exercise. Fouettes should then be done in the center if group is advanced enough.

Combination

It's time to put together everything that was practiced.

1. Style-Use a fast and upbeat song that is appropriate for the age group being taught. Use the skills acquired during class.
2. Technique- Teach a few eight counts at a time. Review and make sure there are no questions. Try combination with music. Continue with the first three steps. After it is taught, or time is running out, break into groups and try the combination again. Run combination until it is perfected or time is out.

Also make sure...

Make sure to come prepared and ready to teach.

• Have a specific warm up ready as well as certain exercises.
• Have an idea of what music will be used for each exercise, making sure it is the correct tempo and appropriate for the age group that you are teaching.
• Have a combination already choreographed and run it enough so that every count is known and it can be taught easily.
• Don't get flustered. This is your class, don't let students get to you.
• Have enthusiasm, let the students know that this is something you want to do. If not, pretend.
• Have fun and let the students have fun while they are learning.