Coined as a term in South London circa 1998, dubstep is a genre of electronic music with roots in reggae and Jamaican dub. It’s characterized by intense baselines, shuffling rhythms, a heavy drum element and cross-genre samples. Usually slower than most electronic music, it requires some creative dance moves, and usually involves costumes to match. Here’s our guide to enjoying dubstep for kids.
PLAYLIST PICKS
1. Discover dubstep along with Sesame Street’s Yip Yips. The friendly aliens descend from Mars, happen upon a radio inside a residential home, and proceed to get their minds blown by some Skrillexremixes. Watch the furry critters go wild and get yippy to the wobbly beats:
2.Bassnectar’s music is a treat for the senses. His kid-friendly tunes are majestic and hypnotic, and they incorporate vocals with fun images and characters like belly dancers and snake charmers. Give his remix of Ellie Goudling’s “Lights” a listen! Read more...
4. Don’t worry about raising a Mama’s Boy; it’s maybe at those exact moments where moms have been told to let their sons go that the sons need them the most.
5. Want to dance like Liz Lemon? Of course you do! Tina Fey shows you how: Read more...
1. What is a toddler dance party?
Toddler Dance Parties offer some facilitation as well as open time for kids to jam out. There is a combination of led activities, suggested instruction, specifically demonstrated movements and free for all. There are also usually some kind of props – think balloons, scarves, streamers, costumes, etc.
2. Why is dance a great form of expression for kids?
Kids have (hopefully) uninhibited movement impulses. These will eventually be restricted. It’s important to set up a foundation of free movement that they can return to when they later have to sit still for longer periods of time. Feeling comfortable in one’s body and confident in how it moves is a big part of self-esteem building. Also developing coordination in one’s body not only helps physically (you know kids that don’t crawl don’t cross pattern when they walk!), but also connects to the brain too. Read more...
Catherine Romano blogs about crafty projects for kids and parents
When I was a little girl, I spent my summers at fine arts camp. Most days were spent designing costumes for the new production or creating sculptures out of found objects. However, one art project I remember very well (and happened to love) was quite simple – body tracing. Body tracing is when you roll out a long sheet of craft paper, lie down, and have a friend trace your body. Then, you cut out the shape and decorate yourself. I can clearly remember positioning myself in the most perfect pirouette position, decorating the tracing with tulle, jewels, and a few fantastic satin ribbons. This life size silhouette was all me and I loved it. Read more...
