Submitted by Kristin Lukow, Nebraska

Idea posted November 30, 2012

Here are some choreography suggestions for the song "Mashed Potatoes" from Music K-8, Vol. 9, No. 2.

1st verse:

Now you can have your turkey. - On "you" point left, other hand on hip.

Oh, you can have your meat. - On "you" point right, other hand on hip.

You can have your apple pies - On "you" point both hands in the center.

and things you think are sweet. - Draw a pinch around your mouth with your right hand.

But, when I come to dinner, - On "when" point thumbs to chest.

you know I'm gonna eat - On "know" both pointer fingers out to audience.

a plate of mashed potatoes. - Lift an imaginary plate up waitress style to the right.

Mm, Mm! It can't be beat! - Rub tummy with left hand... right hand out to the side palm out.

Chorus:

I have mine split into boys and girls. Boys sing the first part and girls echo. They do the Mashed Potato Dance. Pound right hand into left hand while kicking right, land out to the side while bent. (Google "Mashed Potato Dance" for further directions.)

2nd verse:

Now when you make the gravy, - Point out to audience on "when."

you better make it hot. - Fan mouth.

Make it real spicy - Rub hands together.

in a gravy making pot. - Stir a huge pot.

Double up the recipe - Hold up two fingers on sides of body and rock back and forth.

'cause I can eat a lot! - Thumbs to chest on the beat.

With tons of mashed potatoes. - Show a pile of potatoes while leaning back.

Oh, yeah! That hits the spot! - Pat belly on "yeah" and "spot" like you've eaten too much.

Chorus:

Repeat

Echo part:

Boys first, mash and speak. Girls echo. No foot this time. We play up the masculine and feminine sound.

3rd verse:

Now, when I come to dinner, - Stand with hands on hips.

it better not be late. - Cross arms with attitude.

I expect to find - Thumb to chest.

a heap of spuds upon my plate. - Show a bigger pile of potatoes.

Dinner would be awful - Cross arms in front.

if I didn't see - Throw arms open and stare at plate.

a pile of mashed potatoes - Show the biggest pile of potatoes.

just waitin' there for me! - Show "gimme fingers" bending over, looking greedy.

Chorus:

Repeat

Repeat

Ending:

Rub tummy with left hand on "Mm, mm, mm!" while right hand is out to he side, elbow bent, palm out. Turn in a circle counter clockwise after every "Mm, mm, mm!" At the end, mash both hands in toward center and then throw a punch out to the audience and freeze.

We thought about using real potato mashers but decided against it, as they would get in the way of our movement. We like to move. :)