Things you need:

A body

A costume (optional)

1. Inform the children that the arts are considered "the language of the gods." It is said that the Indian god, Shiva, gave the seven notes of the musical scale (do-re-mi-la-fa-so-la-ti) to the world as he dance to the rhythm of the universe. Strong feelings such as anger, humor, fear and love are demonstrated in classic forms of Indian dance. Every movement of the body has meaning. There are over two hundred hand gestures!

2. Ask students to come up with seven different gestures to go with each of the musical notes. Have them decide what each gesture means.

3. They can work alone or in a small group.

4. When everyone has their gestures/note connection down pat, have them demonstrate and share.

5. Play the note "do" and have the children perform their "do" gestures. Play the note "re", have the children do their "re" gesture. Continue this pattern with the remaining notes of the scale.

6. Ask the children to create a dance with their note/gestures. It can be a dialogue or conversation between two or more dancers, or a story that one person tells with their movements.

7. Put it to music.

8. Allow time for small groups to perform for one another and discuss their favorite note/gestures.

Follow up:

Be as simple or as elaborate as you like with costumes and make-up. Dance alone or perform in groups. Invite parents or other classes as audiences.

Above all, enjoy the dance!