This probably doesn't really fit in this category, but I am desperate for help! I need to teach 4 classes of 2nd grade kids how to waltz. They are having a hard time getting the 3 count down. They just keep stepping and stepping and stepping. Does anyone have any ideas for how I can get them to learn the waltz. We have clapped the counts out, but once they start moving their feet they lose it! Any suggestions? Thanks!!

I super simplfy it. I put a sticker on their right foot. I then start with just(as you have stated) march, march march in place (R, L ,R) We pretend to have stepped on gum. So we slowly lift one foot then the other then the other.

We then take a spot marker or other visible aid to step over.
Step over the spot, bring foot to the other, step in place. This gets them starting to travel side to side.

To work on musicality, we stand with our feet apart, and do plie, straighten to the right; plie (in second pos), straighten to the left. Like rocking side to side with a plie. On the plie we count a ONE and on cts two three we straighten up to the right. This helps them understand the accent on the first count.

Hope these help.

Heather

Thank you for your suggestions!

I teach it by counts and by using the words down, up, up or slow, quick, quick. Each describe the waltz.
Some kids will get counts, others need a variety of ways to undertand what you are asking fo them.
Hope that helps.
Find music with a very strong waltz count and have them clap the rhythm out with you.

I have the kids do "plie, toe, toe, plie, toe, toe" going straight across the floor. If I have them do it with a turn, I have them stick out their thumbs as if to "hitch a ride". I say "plie, toe, toe, plie, toe, toe" and tell them to turn in the direction where their thumbs are pointing.