Top Five Ways to turn Cabin Fever into Dance Fever!

by Katherine Craddock

Housebound with little ones this winter? Looking for a way to make lasting memories, burn a few calories, and rediscover your wild side? Crank up your favorite CDs, clear a spot on the playroom floor, and get ready to throw one of our top five “Crazy Wiggle Dance Parties”!

1) Glow Dance Party -- purchase some cheap glow-in-the-dark sticks, bracelets, or necklaces. Distribute liberally to your children, and find a nice, dark closet or bathroom. Turn off the lights, shut the door, turn on the music and get ready to rave! This one is so cool Dad might even join in the fun.

2) Prince and Princess Ball – dust off one of your finest bridesmaid dresses and join your daughter (and sons – they’ll need a cape, sword, and maybe boots, of course) in her most glorious princess regalia. Bowing, curtsying, and waltzing to classical music are the order of the day. Tiaras and crowns are a definite plus, and major bonus points if you actually apply makeup. Don’t forget to share some lip gloss and eye shadow with your little princess!

3) Childhood Classics Dance Party – you don’t even need music to make this dance party work. Gather your children and help them perform nursery rhyme classics like “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, “I’m a Little Teapot”, “Father Abraham,” “Old MacDonald”, and of course, the “Hokie Pokie”. If you’re feeling really frisky you can toss in ye olde wedding standards the “Electric Slide” and the ever-classic “Chicken Dance.”

4) Hard Rock Dance Party – if you have little boys, this dance party is sure to be a winner. Grab some pots, pans, and banging spoons and get ready to make some noise. (Don’t forget to show them how to head bang, crowd surf, and play some mean air guitar).

5) Sweet Lullaby Dance Party – my favorite of all, perfect for passing the time with a colicky newborn. Hold your baby close in your arms, close your eyes, and sing softly to your baby in as you waltz and rock around the room to sweet lullabies. You will never forget that moment for the rest of your life.