Submitted by Jennifer Schroeder, Fall River, Wisconsin
Idea posted June 18, 2004
The "Seven Jumps Dance" which I learned does not have any actual jumps in it. There are approximately eight beats when walking around in a circle. You stop and stomp Ti-Ti Ta, clap Ti-Ti Ta, stomp Ti-Ti Ta, clap Ti-Ti Ta before balancing each time. Then, there is one long tone where you lift one foot and balance until the "boom" of the next beat where you put your foot down. Then you go back to walking again. Next time through, you lift one foot and balance and boom, then other foot - balance - boom. Next, you put one knee on the ground, but you don't let it touch until the "boom." Then, the other knee the next go around but always waiting for the "boom." Length of the "boom" will vary. Movement summary:
1) Balance on one foot.2) Balance on one foot, then the other foot.
3) One foot, other foot, one knee to the floor - stand up quick and walk again.
4) Foot, foot, knee, knee - stand up and walk.
5) Foot, foot, knee, knee, elbow - stand up and walk.
6) Foot, foot, knee, knee, elbow, elbow - stand up and walk.
7) Foot, foot, knee, knee, elbow, elbow, head to the floor - stand up and walk.
The last time you walk the circle and bow when the music stops.
Even my older kids love this activity. I love introducing it because I don't say a word past "Do what I do." The new kids are always surprised, young and old. This is a favorite with my students.