Buy or rent a variety of dance CDs, or load an MP3 player with music children can dance to. Choose some upbeat dance music, classical tunes and rhythmic music like African drumming.
Advise children and their parents about what kind of clothing the little ones should wear to class. Ask children to wear loose, comfortable clothes. If you'll be dancing indoors, advise parents to dress their children in layers so each child can adjust her clothing if she gets hot. Ask all children to wear socks and sneakers. They can remove their sneakers and dance in their socks if they wish.
Lead children in a series of stretches. Sit on the floor with your legs outstretched and touch your toes and twist your torso from side to side. Stretch out your shoulders and move your head in circles to loosen your neck. Explain that stretching gets your body ready for exercise.
Start the class by playing quick dance music. Set a timer for five minutes and explain that you'll have five minutes of free dance time. Let children bop around, move like animals or do whatever dance moves they wish.
Turn on slower, classical music. Ask children to listen to the music and show off the way it makes them feel through their dance moves. Demonstrate how to do slow arm movements, turns and small jumps through the air. Play this music for five minutes.
Change the music to rhythmic drumming. Lead the children in quick, rhythmic movements like kicks and bends. You might even set up a TV or computer so you can show videos of traditional African dances. Dance for five minutes.
Repeat the cycle, dancing to each type of music for another five minutes. End the class with another series of stretches to cool down.