Words in Action with 92Y Dance Education Laboratory

Dance Together

Action words describe the movement you make with your body. By putting two or more action words together, you can create a movement sentence with your body. Watch our friends at the 92Y Dance Education Laboratory share how to create a movement sentence. 

Now let’s put words into action! Make a list of action words. Here are some to start.

CMOM’s List of Dance Action Words: 

1. Using our list or your own, write out dance action words on cards or pieces of paper. Try to write out at least 10.
2. Fold your cards in half and put them into a jar or bowl. 
3. Everyone should pick three cards and practice creating a movement sentence. Figure out which will be your first, second, and last movement. 
4. Turn on some music to perform your movement sentence for the group! Try our special CMOM Party Playlist. 
5. Put your cards back. Next, each person will pull out a dance action word and show off their move one by one. Everyone else should repeat the moves along with the leader.
6. Remember the moves of each person and add them on as you go to create a movement sentence! For example, if the first person pulls “shake,” everyone shakes. If the next person pulls “crawl,” everyone should shake, then crawl. If the next person pulls “spin,” then everyone should shake, crawl, and then spin! After you remember everyone’s moves, put them to your favorite song and perform your dance sentence!
7. Another game you can play involves calling out names. Each person has an action, and they show their move to the group. Remember which person has what action! Then a leader will call out a name in the group, and everyone has to do their move. Try not to hesitate!
   

Explore more dance with 92Y Dance Education Laboratory. Create more movement sentences and enjoy more dance games with their Dancemaker App.