First Steps With the Nutcracker

The ultimate goal of Movement Exploration, one of the eight parts of John Feierabend’s First Steps in Music curriculum, is to use the body to appropriately demonstrate the expressiveness of the music. Experiencing various movements with accompanying music helps children develop lifelong sensitivities toward the expressiveness—or the “art part”—of music.

There is no better vehicle for this than Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The music and the story come alive when children are invited to actively participate, to become each character, and to respond expressively to their signature music. At the same time, each theme offers an opportunity to expand students’ creative movement vocabulary.

Lillie Feierabend has presented The Nutcracker for over twenty years to the delight of her entire school community. Join her as she guides the first, second, and third grade students of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir in dancing each character and discovering the delight of moving expressively and musically to the Movement Exploration themes.

Also included on this DVD:

• A voiceover track with John and Lillie Feierabend discussing each component of Movement Exploration
• Complete storyline with Movement Exploration themes and implementation ideas
• Parent engagement as they dance with their children