The holiday season is upon us (It’s my favorite time of year) I am a sucker for a good hallmark movie and a hot cup of coffee in a snowman mug! It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year! With Nutcracker performances, holiday music, and festive traditions all around, winter brings a unique energy into the dance studio. I love weaving that holiday spirit into my classes, giving my students something fun to look forward to as we count down to winter break. For teachers, creating a winter-themed class not only brings smiles to students’ faces but can also be a refreshing change that helps us find new joy in our work.
In this article, you’ll find a variety of winter-themed dance activities organized by age group and setting, perfect for both dance studios and public school classes.
In This Article:
- Winter Dance Ideas for Preschool and Kindergarten
- Winter Dance Ideas for Elementary School Age
- Winter Dance Ideas for Teens
- Further Reading on Dance and Winter Celebrations
Winter Dance Ideas for Preschool and Kindergarten
Young children light up at this time of year, so why not channel that excitement into their dance classes? Winter-themed activities are especially delightful for preschool and kindergarten students because they combine movement with storytelling, creativity, and seasonal fun.
Dance Studio Activities
- Snowflake Dance
Have the kids pretend to be snowflakes twirling through the air. This is a great way to practice gentle, light movements and basic ballet skills. Use scarves to represent snowflakes, allowing the children to wave them around as they dance. - Winter Animal Movements
Focus on movements inspired by winter animals like penguins, polar bears, and reindeer. Play a song and instruct the dancers to mimic each animal’s movement: sliding like penguins, stomping like polar bears, and prancing like reindeer. - Holiday Freeze Dance
Create a freeze dance game with holiday music! When the music stops, dancers freeze in a festive pose like a snowman, reindeer, or Christmas tree. This game is great for coordination and listening skills.
Public School Activities
- Winter Weather Patterns
Use weather patterns to inspire dance movements—swirling like a snowstorm, melting like snow in the sun, or drifting like snowflakes. This activity brings a mix of science and creativity, making it both educational and fun. - Counting Down to Holiday Break
Create a holiday-themed countdown, where each class has a small activity related to winter. These activities could include learning about The Nutcracker, dancing to “Jingle Bells,” or reading a short dance-related story. Check out our article on Top 10 Best Children’s Books about Dance: Perfect to Inspire Your Little Dancer.
Winter Dance Ideas for Elementary School Age
For elementary students, winter-themed dance classes can be slightly more advanced, incorporating seasonal themes with skill-building exercises.
Dance Studio Activities
- Nutcracker Moves
Introduce students to some basic moves from The Nutcracker. Teach them a few simple sequences from “Waltz of the Snowflakes” or “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and encourage them to embody each character. For more Nutcracker inspiration, check out our Nutcracker Season is Here: A Resource Guide. - Holiday Choreography Challenge
Divide the class into small groups and give each group a holiday song. Their task is to create a short, themed dance sequence inspired by winter scenes, holiday lights, or snowflakes. At the end, each group can perform for the rest of the class. - Winter Story Dance
Create a story-based dance activity where you narrate a winter-themed story, and students act it out through dance. This is a fantastic way to let students practice expressive movement and storytelling.
Public School Activities
- Winter Animal Dance Adventure
Have students explore different ways to move as animals adapted to winter climates. Guide them through an imaginary journey as animals that hibernate, migrate, or adapt in other ways. - Winter Line Dances
Teach simple line dances to holiday classics or winter-themed songs. Line dances are easy for groups and promote unity and rhythm. - Frozen Obstacle Course
Set up a winter-themed obstacle course in the gym or multipurpose room with “icy patches” to slide across and “snow drifts” to jump over.
Winter Dance Ideas for Teens
Teens will appreciate winter-themed classes that challenge them creatively and technically while celebrating the season in a fun and age-appropriate way.
Dance Studio Activities
- Holiday Improvisation Challenge
Set up an improvisational exercise with a holiday playlist. Give prompts like “dance as if you’re a falling snowflake” or “move like a pine tree swaying in the wind.” Teens can explore new ways of moving while connecting with the holiday theme. - Character Study: The Nutcracker’s Cast
Focus on character work by assigning students different roles from The Nutcracker—such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, or the Mouse King—and let them explore the movements, expressions, and emotions of their characters. - Themed Dance Photoshoot
For a fun end-of-year activity, let students dress up in holiday costumes or winter-inspired attire and have a photoshoot in dance poses that represent the season.
Public School Activities
- Dance from Around the World
Introduce winter dances or holiday traditions from various cultures. Incorporate different styles and movements to broaden their understanding of winter celebrations globally. - Goal Setting for the New Year
Have students set their dance goals for the new year, whether it’s perfecting a particular move, improving flexibility, or increasing stamina. For more on goal setting, see our article Dance Goals for 2025: The Importance of Setting Goals as a Dancer. - Affirmation Cards for Confidence
Use holiday-themed affirmation cards to boost confidence and positivity in the classroom. You can create custom affirmations that align with the spirit of the season. For inspiration, check out Affirmations for Preschool Dancers: Building Confidence and Joy from an Early Age.
Further Reading on Dance and Winter Celebrations
For more ideas to keep your classes engaging throughout the season, check out these related articles:
- Nutcracker Season is Here: A Resource Guide
- Top 10 Best Children’s Books about Dance: Perfect to Inspire Your Little Dancer
- Affirmations for Preschool Dancers: Building Confidence and Joy from an Early Age
Winter-themed dance classes bring an extra dose of magic to the studio or school. Whether you’re teaching preschoolers or teens, incorporating seasonal themes into your classes can make each session a special memory for your students. The holiday season is a beautiful time to connect with students, share joy, and bring a little festive spirit into their dance education.
(Parents you can also try out some of this activities at home)
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B.
