Rockhill by Beltaine (KIDS)

Coaching Notes:

Pre-Teach: No
Focus: External
Purpose: Exploring a traditional Irish folkdance
First move: Double-hop. Start them off by letting them know this is Riverdance and most of the time in Riverdance, we keep our hands either on our hips or arms straight down close to the body. You can decide the position or allow them to choose, it’s up to you as the facilitator. Cue them on keeping their shoulders back and chest up for that proud stance. Begin with connecting them to the double-hop, which is on the spot. Maybe even count them in 1-2, 1-2!
When they all are connected to the rhythm, ask them to try crossing a foot in front of the jumping leg.
You can also suggest trying to cross the foot behind. Ask them to check out their feet or the soles of their feet. (For the youngest 4-6 year olds, do not ask them to cross their legs, just have them double-hopping, that’s all.)
Second move: Butt-kick. It’s like a run, but the essence is kicking your legs back towards your butt and then traveling the move across the floor.
Remind them to keep their hands in their Riverdance posture. (Either hands on hips or arms straight down.).
Suggest changing directions, and ask them to find ways around and in between each other. Third move: Tip-Toe. Demand the move by telling them to cross their legs, zipping them together, rise up on their toes and tip-toe, tip-toe!
Ask them to release their arms and move them gracefully and softly around their body. Cue lifting the chest, proud posture.
Fourth move: Bow. Here, you will hear the music changing.
Ask them to open their arms and take a bow, then turning towards someone and bow to them. Repeat.
Transitions:
0:00 Introduce Riverdance, hand position and start double hop
0:43 Butt-kick
1:11 Tip-toe
1:24 Butt-kick
1:38 Double-hop
1:52 Tip-toe
2:06 Bow
2:33 Tip-toe
2:47 Butt-kick!
2:57 Bow until the song ends! Finish in a proud pose