Thursday mornings are always an exciting time at the Belconnen Community Centre, as Batman high-fives the receptionists, Spidergirl sneaks past the café, and Elsa takes a twirl in the foyer. This regular flood of caped crusaders is a result of the BCS Superhero Dance class. The class is a movement and music program for children aged three to four. Risa, our super dance teacher, came up with the idea of theming the class around superheros as an engaging way to get children interested in dance. Risa says:
“Kids love to dress up. The fact that its superhero themed allows for anything – we get a lot of Batmen, Supermen, Spidergirls, Princesses, and lots of capes. The superhero theme really appeals to the boys. Sometimes young boys don’t want to participate in dance because they see classes full of girls wearing pink dresses, so they find the superhero theme really engaging. The classes are very gender neutral, and the children can dress however they like.”
Each week, the children explore moving to music using superhero poses and gestures. Risa sets up soft-fall obstacle courses to allow the children to practice their super powers – jumping, creeping, freezing, and balancing. During the classes, Risa makes opportunities to talk to the children about what it means to be a superhero.
“We talk about superhero identities and what would we like our superpower to be – flying is always a big one. I had one little girl say her superpower would be to grow lots of flowers. We talk about character traits, like strength and kindness – the kids really identified “being helpful to our friends” and “being able to solve problems” as important elements of being a super hero. I love getting to know the children and finding out what they’re interested in, so I can work it into the lesson. “
Risa incorporates superhero music into the lesson plan, using classic theme tunes, orchestral versions, and pop songs. There are some class favourites, like the Batman tune, and the choreographed Spiderman theme dance. The children are encouraged to invent their own superhero movements and poses, and the class has collaboratively written their own superhero theme song, I’m a Superhero.
I’m a superhero
Strong and Brave
Here are my muscles
Here is my cape
When I hear a cry
I’m on my way
I fly on over
Save the day