Dancing with your Kids

They say that music calms the savage beast. It can also bring a family together for a little bit of fun. Here are some ways that you can get your kids dancing along with yourself and have fun.

There’s just something about the beat. It makes you want to clap your hands and move your feet. Kids are no different. They like to move to music as well.

Dancing is exercise that is fun. Kids don’t even think of it as exercise because they think of exercise as work. But, dancing lets them show off their moves. Parents, you have some moves of your own, remember? Show them off to your kids and get moving too.

Here are a few ideas for you to turn dancing into fun activities that you can do with your kids this summer.

1. Play virtual dance games – One of the hottest games is Just Dance for the Wii entertainment system. You can divide into teams or play as individuals. Using your Wii controller, imitate the moves done on the screen by the dancer to some of today’s favorite tunes. There are also oldies but goodies for the parents to enjoy. Whoever copies the moves the best gets the most points. It is good clean fun for the entire family. Everyone likes a challenge. Once you get started, you won’t want to stop until you drop to the ground. Xbox also has games for Kinect that let you have fun dancing with friends or your family.

2. Dance contest – There goes that competitive spirit again. Choose your favorite song. Each person gets a turn to show off their moves for the judges. For an added twist, let the judges choose the song you have to dance to. The winner gets bragging rights in the house. After the content, do a little dance tutorial so that everyone knows how to do the latest moves.

3. Take a dance class – One of the hottest dance crazes right now is Zumba fitness. Young and old alike can learn a variety of dance moves: hip-hop, Latin moves, salsa dancing and more. And, these moves are choreographed to some of the latest and most popular songs. Most gyms and recreational centers offer classes for a low price. Usually the first class is free so you can try it out. The entire family can have a blast. Don’t worry if you don’t get the moves, just keep moving.

4. Teach your kids to dance – If you have young kids, this is a great time to get them moving. You are never too young to appreciate and get involved in physical activity as a lifestyle. Start with playful games that you learned as a kid like Ring around the Rosy. Choreograph dances to kid songs like The Wheels on the Bus or Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Dancing is a fun way to get moving. This summer, share a few moves with your kids.