Dance Style Sampler Around World

A phone or speaker for playing music

Open floor space for dancing

Optional: scarves or props to enhance the dancing

Queue up 4-5 short music clips from different cultures and dance styles. About 2 minutes each is perfect.

Start with a salsa song and show your child some basic hip-swaying and side-stepping. Count along: one-two-three!

Switch to African drumming and move with powerful, grounded energy — stomps, jumps, strong arms.

Put on a waltz and try spinning and flowing with big sweeping arm movements. One-two-three, one-two-three.

Play a Bollywood song and try the characteristic hand gestures, head movements, and colorful energy.

End with a fun pop song your child already knows and loves. Let them dance however they want — free expression.

Ask: "Which style was your favorite?" Play that one again for a big finale dance.

This is a wonderful way to expose your child to world cultures through their bodies. Music is the universal language.

Don't worry about authentic technique. The point is experiencing different rhythms and movement styles, not performing them perfectly.

Search for "kids world music playlist" on any streaming platform for age-appropriate selections from many cultures.

Add a simple prop for each style: a scarf for the waltz, nothing for African drums (it's all body), maracas for salsa.

Return to favorite styles in future sessions and go deeper. If your child loves African drumming, explore that tradition more next time.