Toddler Dance Party

So I just finished my first Toddler Dance Party and I’m happy to say it was a HUGE success and parents are already asking about having a second party.  We had over 25 kids, their parents/guardians and even a few babies.  It’s so interesting to see how kids interact and play – some never left the safety of mom’s lap but you could definitely see them taking it all in while others didn’t stop moving for the 30-minute party.

I’ve never done something like this, but with resources like The Show Me Librarian and What Adrienne Thinks About That, it was really easy to put together a dance party song list.  That was probably the most daunting part, but most kids love music so it’s just a matter of what you like and how you want to structure it.  What they don’t tell you is how sweaty you’ll be afterward!  I did my regular workout at the gym this morning and just spent the last 35 minutes dancing, jumping and clapping and I’m exhausted!

I remembered to grab some CDs from our music collection for kids before the program and I’m so glad I did.  This is a great way to encourage patrons to check out CDs from our music collection and a number of families took out a CD or two to take home.  This afternoon we’re hosting a preschool dance party for the older crowd with a few different songs that are a little more direction focused, but overall it’s a fairly similar program.  Just a quick reminder – it’s nice to provide a water pitcher and paper cups for the kids – it does get warm dancing!

Here’s my song list for my toddler party:

Song: “Oh Hey Oh Hi Hello”
Artist: Jim Gill
CD Title: Jim Gill Makes It Noisy in Boise Idaho

Song: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
Artist: Big Kidz Band
CD Title: Indian Elephant Tea

Song: “The Shaker Hop”
Artist: Carole Peterson
CD Title: Dancing Feet
*shaker eggs for each child

Song: “No More Monkeys”
Artist: Asheba
CD Title: Putumayo Kids Presents: Animal Playground

Song: “Rock and Roll Freeze Dance”
Artist: Hap Palmer
CD Title: So Big

Song: “Shoo Fly”
Artist: Carole Peterson
CD Title: Dancing Feet
*sit down at the end of this song for a story break

STORY BREAK – Hilda Must Be Dancing  by Karma Wilson

Song: “Clap Your Hands”
Artist: They Might Be Giants
CD Title: NO!

Song: “Rockin’ the Chute”
Artist: Michael Plunkett
CD Title: Shakin’ the Chute
*parachute with “popcorn” balls

Song: “We Are the Dinosaurs”
Artist: Laurie Berkner
CD Title: The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band

Song: “Rock-A-Bye Your Bear”
Artist: The Wiggles
CD Title: Magical Adventures Bonus CD
*stuffed teddy bears for each child

Song: “Drivin’ in My Car”
Artist:
CD Title: Ralph’s World

Song: “Go Crazy Remix”
Artist: Weird Science
CD Title: Yo Gabba Gabba: Music Is Awesome!