Dancing Words Blog

Category: Nutcracker Series

  • Alphabet Series: The Letter N

    When you and your students explore the letter N, these books can be springboards and inspiration for improvisations and dance projects. 

    N is for Numbers

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    I very much enjoy Theresa Benzwie's Alphabet Movers, and now I also love her 2011 publication Numbers on the Move. I was excited to stumble upon this book, as I have a similar number based warm up I love to do with young ones.

    Mark Weber's illustrations of a diverse group of children are joyful and playful. I very much appreciate children's books that show a variety of young boys and girls dancing. 

    The simple premise of the book will lead to a fun warm up in an parent/child, preschool, or kindergarten dance class.  

    As we begin to count, there is a movement idea with each number:

    One stretch

    Two slides

    Three jumps

    The book goes up to number 10, and counts down again.

    N is for Nursery Rhymes

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    I am a strong believer in the use of nursery rhymes within dance classes. This teaches these important cultural references and classic rhymes/rhythms that we continue to use today. You can find a wide range of nursery rhyme books to use as a teaching springboard; I love making warm ups with various rhymes.

    Two favorite books of mine include:

    The Neighborhood Mother Goose by Nina Crews

    Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose by Leo and Diane Dillon

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    N is for Nutcracker

    Numerous versions now exist of this classic tale. I frequently recommend The Nutcracker by Alison Jay.

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    N is for Night

    How to Make a Night is a story of magic and whimsy that will inspire a unique group dance. Filled with action words – catch, find, pull, peel, and shake – a little girl "makes a night" by taking away the sun and blue sky, splattering gold, and building a moon. 

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    N is for Nocturnal Animals

    The extra large picture book Zoo-ology by Joelle Jolivet can be used in many ways throughout a year. For the letter N, look at pages 24 and 25 that illustrate and name 32 different nocturnal animals. Students can select a creature; lead an improv with the class related to levels, speed, and different ways of locomoting. 

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  • Nutcracker Series: Book by Alison Jay

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    Yes, it is July, and I am writing about The Nutcracker! I believe that it is never too early to be thinking of your classes and units of study in the coming months.

    We got this version of The Nutcracker out of the library the other week, and my 5 year old son has asked for me to read this to him almost every day. He hasn't even seen The Nutcracker yet, but I already have plans in the works to take him to see the San Francisco Ballet in December….

    Alison Jay is known for her distinctive artwork and its "crackled painting" appearance. Her version of the Nutcracker tale is easy to read and accessible for young ones. Over the coming months, I will review various versions of the Nutcracker story.

    Between the artwork and reasonable length text, this book is a great version to share with students in PreK-3rd grade as you explore this classic story from the ballet.

    The Nutcracker by Alison Jay