Holiday Music (minus the holiday)

“Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and there are so many great activities to do to play off all the holiday cheer and dreams of snow. Bringing “Christmas” music into many schools is not an option, though, so what’s a creative dance teacher to do?  Here is my list of great songs to use to use that don’t mention Christmas, but still celebrate the universal themes we can all enjoy at this time of year.

“Here Comes Suzy Snowflake”

This upbeat classic is great for adventures in the snow. It has a nice tempo for tap dance, use it for free dance with snowflakes from the dollar store, or practice skipping across the floor letting them be Suzy bringing the snow to different “towns” in the room.

“My Favorite Things” from Sound of Music

Something about this song fits so well with the season. There’s something very calming about it; its a great follow up for a high energy activity. There are also great instrumental versions out there.

“Frosty the Snowman”

Kids LOVE this classic (I do too!). Use this song to build your own snow men, dance in a circle around Frosty, or check out this great activity over at Maria’s Movers.

“Over the River and Through the Woods”

Make a river with tape on the floor to jump over and set up cones as the trees in the woods to chase your horse drawn sleigh through!

“Sleigh Ride”

There are lots of great versions out of this song. You could really find a version to suit any thing you need in class. I really like the Relient K version for floor warm up. It starts of soft and builds in energy. There’s also a fun pop version on WOW Christmas by Jump5.

“Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow”

In the same vein as “Sleigh Ride,” there are a million versions of this song to choose from.

Do you have any holiday/winter music you like to use in class? Do you have any good songs to use to celebrate Hanukkah besides the Dreidel Song? What about Kwanza music?