Expression is an important aspect in dance, and when you teach children to think about expression in a creative way, this translates to their dance performance. Play different kinds of music that convey different kinds of moods. Have each kid pick a spot in the room and let him think of a dance he can do. Demonstrate how dance can be a form of communication, and have them think of steps that can communicate feelings and expressions that the music evokes.
Dance can be combined with a form of exercise, such as aerobics and Pilates, and creativity can be added. Use popular music that kids listen to and incorporate aerobics steps such as step-touch and grapevine to form a dance routine. This will allow kids to see exercise in a more creative way, and they may be more eager to take on the activity.
Ballet can be taught to kids creatively to help them build a foundation in dance. You can add creativity by using props such as ribbons, which kids can twirl while completing ballet steps such as plié and pirouettes. Kids can learn traditional social dances such as ballroom dancing in a creative way by using popular songs.
Another type of dance that kids can learn are cultural dances. Cultural dances, which may include Hawaiian, Chinese and Spanish dances, allow for creativity in terms of costumes and steps. Read a story from a particular culture and have them dance it out.
You can create an ensemble and teach kids performance dance. Make a list of words and phrases, then let them act it out in a form of dance. This will help them develop their creativity as they think of how to act out the words. Incorporate their steps into choreography and have them perform this in front of their families. Teaching them this way allows for improvisation, where kids can contribute their ideas to the dance choreography as they all work toward completing the dance steps.