Bonnie

I am currently working on putting together elastic tap bands to be used in some of my senior classes that I teach. Having a dance background myself I am happy to make suggestions as to steps you can do with your residents.

While sitting in a chair or wheelchair place the elastic bands (around front and back part of shoes). Each participant will use two bands on each shoe. That way everyone can make the sound together and be included in the activity.

Step 1. Toe Taps - Extend leg out in front and tap toe in counts of 8’s, bring foot back in and step. Now reverse using the other foot stretched out in front for 8 counts and again bring back to center. (The extra 8 counts of switching feet helps with the transition).

Step 2. Heel steps - again stretching leg to front place heel on the floor and do heels for 8 counts. Bring back together and reverse.

Step 3. Marches - alternating feet march in place with various counts.

Step 4. Kick steps - kick foot out in front and then step, keep alternating.
Kicks can be very small or bigger depending on ability.

Notes:
**incorporate arm movements once everyone has the footwork down.
**patterns are great to use in all of the above dance steps.
Example; March for 8 counts and then extend leg to front for two toe steps right and two toe steps left. Then repeat
**music - after teaching the above steps I play music and we dance together with the music. I love the song New York New York, Give My Regards to Broadway etc.
**props - sometimes I bring top hats and everyone wears a top hat while we do our tap class. I also have sequin bow ties, capes etc. I have these items for my other programs I teach so am able to utilize them with my seniors as well. I understand with budgets, etc. for your Rec departments it is not always feasible to have these items but the dollar store is my go to for extra items especially around various holidays to purchase items that can be used.

I’m happy to answer any questions regarding performing arts programs (Dance, Theater, Improv, Puppetry, Instruments, etc.) there are so many fun activities that can be done with all ages and all abilities!

Enjoy

How fun, thank you for the darling Halloween songs. We will be using this in our Intergenerational Theater Program today and can’t wait!