An elementary school dance is one of the most fun family events your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or Parent Teacher Association (PTA) can host.
But as all experienced PTA/PTO volunteers know, dances can quickly devolve into a group of kids running around like they’re a bottle of coke with a Mento that’s just ben dropped in.
Pure chaos, in other words!
To keep a gym full of K-5 students engaged, you need a strategy and planned elementary school dance activities to keep them from getting out of control.
Having a mix of activities available, in addition to the dance itself is a solid strategy I’ve successfully used when pulling off fun and memorable elementary school dances.
Let’s talk about some school dance activities you can use to keep the kids engaged and the evening enjoyable for all.
High-Energy Floor Elementary School Dance Activities and Games
Not all elementary aged kids aren’t born dancers, and may need some encouragement to come out onto the dance floor.
Here are some super kid-friendly dance games you can play to keep the momentum on the dance floor going.
Any of these dance game ideas work well since younger kids often thrive when they have a specific task to perform on the beat.
Freeze Dance
The undisputed heavyweight champion of school dances.
When the music stops, the kids stop.
It’s simple, effective, and burns off an incredible amount of energy since the kids need to focus to keep participating in the game
Yes, And
Divide the kids into different groups, then ask them to form a line.
Make it easier by putting down painter’s tape markers on the floor before the event begins, in anticipation of the dance game.
The first dancer performs a move and then tags the next dancer, who repeats the move and adds their own.
This chain continues, much like a game of improv comedy.
The Floor is Lava
Have the DJ periodically announce that the floor is “lava.”
Kids must rush to safe zones like painter’s tape squares or carpet squares scattered around the gym.
Conga Lines
This classic provides a structured way for everyone to share in the fun and move together.
Huge Balloon Drop
If you really want to hear the room erupt, release a net of balloons from the ceiling midway through the night.
It’s an inexpensive and instant mood-booster.
Beach Ball Bounce
Toss a few beach balls into the group of dancers and encourage them to keep them in the air.
Animal Dance
Call out animal names for the kids to replicate their movement. Think “hop like a kangaroo” or “strut like a peacock.”
Group Dance Lessons
Pull up a dance instruction video on youtube and project on the gym wall.
This way all will be able to see how to do the moves and you don’t have to find a volunteer to show off their moves.
Another fun idea is to have the kids teach their adult guests a dance.
This is a terrific way to get the parents and adults off the sidelines and into the action on the dance floor.
Other Dance Game Ideas
Reach out to the school’s PE teacher and see if they have suggestions for other dance games to play.
The games will be winners with the kids since the teacher knows what works for the students.
And kids often love showing their parents the same moves they pull off during class, so this gives them all the more reason to stay dancing.
Alternative Activities for Elementary School Dances
Not every kid wants to spend two hours jumping around dancing.
These hands-on alternative dance activities provide a perfect mental break and a souvenir to take home.
Friendship Bracelet Making
Set up a table with colorful embroidery floss and letter beads.
It’s a fantastic way for kids and parents to bond and creates a lasting memory of the night.
Make sure to have a set of instructions available to help guide non-crafty parents and students.
Paper Airplane Hangar
This is a low-cost, high-engagement winner.
Provide various types of paper and a few “how-to” folding guides, blown up poster size so they’re easy to see.
You can even set up a “landing strip” using masking tape on the floor to see whose plane flies the farthest.
Temporary Tattoos
Buy a bunch of water-transfer temporary tattoo designs based on the theme of the dance.
Photo Booth
You don’t need a professional setup or an elaborate balloon arch.
A DIY backdrop with oversized glasses, boas, and silly signs paired with a volunteer and a ring light is all it takes for the picture perfect moment.
Friendly Competitions
A little bit of low-stakes competition keeps things fun.
Dance-Offs
Organize “Battles of the Grades.” Let the 1st graders show off their moves against the 2nd graders. Keep it lighthearted and give everyone a round of applause. Or pit the parents against the students.
Hula Hoop Contests
See who can keep the hoop spinning the longest during a popular song.
Borrow the hoops from your PE teacher for a zero budget impact activity.
Limbo Contest
How low can they go?
Use a colorful pool noodle for the game (it’s safer and more festive than a wooden pole).
Encourage both adults and kids to get their limbo on!
Carve Out a Chill Zone
Dances can be loud and overstimulating.
Offering low-sensory activities shows that you’ve thought about every student’s needs.
Board Game Corner
A few tables in a hallway outside of the dance space is the perfect place to set up games like Connect Four or Jenga.
The games give kids (and adults!) who need a break from the noise space and time to relax and reset.
Ask if PTA/PTO volunteers have the giant versions of the games and borrow them for the event.
Making everything literally larger than life will make the event special.
Collaborative Coloring
Tape a massive roll of butcher paper to a long table and provide crayons or mashable markers.
It’s a quiet, communal activity that results in a giant piece of “dance floor art.”
Over to You
You don’t need a strict teaching lesson plan to keep kids and thier parents having fun at an elementary school dance and that’s not the point!
The goal of a school dance is simple: making sure every kid leaves with a smile and a core memory they’ll always have.
Start by picking an engaging elementary school dance theme.
Then plan for fun by offering a mix of movement and making.
This will all add up to an event that’ll be the talk of the playground on Monday!
