The Bunny Boogie

Even though we never actually say anything about Easter in this song, you can bet it will be a sure winner for your young singers for your Easter performances. Then again, because we never actually say anything about Easter in this song... who's to say you can't use it any time of the year?

If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's not to underestimate the power of a good boogie woogie blues. The beat, the chord changes, the swinging eighth notes - these are infectious to kids. They can't hold still when they sing them, and they learn them very quickly.

"The Bunny Boogie" is unison, since it is geared for kids of just about any age. Whether you teach it by reading or rote, it should only take a few times through for them to know it. And since the melody falls easily within the chest voice range, don't be afraid to let them belt energetically. (Sometimes fun is more important than "quality of sound.")

Of course, the real emphasis of this song is not the singing, or even the subject. It's the movement! We have suggested movements throughout the song, which you can use exactly as is, or not. Feel free to change anything you want. Add more movement. Take some out. Adapt or eliminate. We would suggest that you leave in the hops and wiggles when they are indicated in the lyrics, as this makes sense. (Don't forget to have your dancers put their hands in front of their bodies and bend them over to imitate bunny paws when hopping.)

Planning to use this in a performance situation? Think costumes. Fluffy white bunnies. Pink bunnies. Blue bunnies. Whatever color you like. Or just bunny ears if you're on a tight budget. These could be created a number of ways, from fabric to paper. Maybe a cottony tail adhered to just the right spot, and voila! Instant bunny.