Many kids enjoy watching shows on TV like “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Why not turn off the TV and create your own Family Dance Show? It’s easy- here’s how:

Each member of the family gets to choose his/her favorite tune from a song list that’s pre-selected by the parent. Provide about 10 or 15 songs to choose from. The family members (contestants) work on their dance in different areas of the house until the parent gives the signal that it’s time to start the show. For show time, you can go simple or elaborate, depending on the ages of your kids and the time you have.

Simple: Each contestant gets to dance to 1 minute of their song, followed by much applause and a final bow.

Elaborate: Contestants create their own stage name and costume. They present their choreographed dance to the audience (the rest of the family.) If competition isn’t a concern, you can have the audience members give a score after each performance. Paper plates with a number written on them work well. Or you can choose one member of the family to act as a judge. He or she can decide who wins for each category. That way everyone wins something. Some sample categories:

Best Choreography
Best Stage Presence
Most Energetic Performance
Best Costume
Best Dance Technique
Most Creative Performance
Funniest Dance Moves
You and your kids can come up with some other categories too