What are creative dance workshop ideas for a Multicultural or International Week?

Multicultural Week is a fantastic opportunity for schools to celebrate diversity, build empathy, and help pupils learn about the world through creative experiences. Dance brings cultures to life with music, movement, and storytelling — making it the perfect centrpiece for assemblies, class rotations, or whole-school events. Dance Days’ multicultural dance workshops provide a structured yet flexible way to inspire pupils and promote inclusion.

Why use dance for Multicultural Week?

Dance is one of the most inclusive ways to explore different cultures. It combines physical activity with storytelling and music, creating an immersive experience for pupils of all ages and abilities.

Key benefits for schools:

• Promotes cultural awareness: Pupils discover traditions and stories from around the world.
• Encourages inclusion and empathy: Every child can participate, no matter their background or ability.
• Fits the curriculum: Links directly to PSHE, SMSC, Geography, and PE outcomes.
• Flexible delivery: Suitable for assemblies, class workshops, or full-day rotations.

Dance Days often recommends schools to use Multicultural Week not only to showcase world dances but also to encourage respect, empathy, and celebration of diversity across the curriculum.

A ready-to-run week plan: one country/region per day

Teachers are busy, so having a ready-to-use plan makes life easier. Here’s a practical 5-day structure you can copy or adapt for your own Multicultural or International Week.

Day 1 — Africa

• Activity: Energetic West African dance inspired by djembe rhythms.
• Learning focus: Rhythm, storytelling, and cultural celebration through music.
• Age tweak: Simple clapping and stepping for KS1; more complex group choreography for KS2.

Day 2 — India

• Activity: A Bollywood taster and hand gestures.
• Learning focus: Storytelling with mudras (hand shapes), and rhythm.
• Age tweak: Younger pupils can explore simple routines; older pupils can learn short Bollywood routines.

Day 3 — Asia (China & East Asia)

• Activity: A Dragon dance inspired by Lunar New Year celebrations.
• Learning focus: Exploring festival traditions, patterns of movement, and seasonal links.
• Age tweak: KS1 pupils can practice simple patterns, while KS2 pupils can build group dragon formations to learn teamwork and coordination.

Day 4 — Europe

• Activity: An Irish Ceili or Spanish Flamenco taster.
• Learning focus: Folk traditions, music, rhythm, and differences between solo vs. group dance.
• Age tweak: Younger pupils enjoy clapping games or circle dances; older pupils can learn flamenco footwork or simple Ceili group steps.

Day 5 — Oceania & Beyond

• Activity: Māori haka or Hawaiian hula, both focused on storytelling and cultural respect.
• Learning focus: Understanding meaning behind movement, geography links, and respect for indigenous traditions.
• Age tweak: For younger pupils, focus on simple call-and-response with actions. For older pupils, explore how haka and hula tell deeper stories.

A quick sample session structure (30–45 minutes)

To make Multicultural Week practical, here’s a suggested session format schools can follow. Each workshop is flexible but designed to fit within a standard lesson slot:

• Warm-up (5–7 mins): Start with themed movement games to get pupils engaged (e.g., call-and-response claps, or a simple circle rhythm).
• Main activity (20–25 mins): Teach core steps and build a short routine based on the cultural dance of the day.
• Cool-down & reflection (5–10 mins): Calm stretches paired with a short discussion on what pupils learned about the culture.

Takeaway idea: Pupils can complete a simple worksheet or add reflections to a classroom display board (e.g., “What did I learn from today’s dance?”).

Cross-curricular opportunities (curriculum links)

Multicultural dance workshops are not just about movement — they can be seamlessly linked to other areas of the curriculum.

• Geography: Map where each dance originates and discuss key facts about the region.
• History: Connect dances to festivals or historical traditions, such as Lunar New Year in China or St Patrick’s Day in Ireland.
• Music: Explore traditional rhythms and instruments; pupils can clap patterns or create percussion sounds with classroom resources.
• PSHE/SMSC: Discussions about respect, empathy, and celebrating differences can be integrated into reflection time.

By linking workshops across subjects, schools ensure pupils gain a rounded understanding of both culture and curriculum content, while keeping learning fun and active.

Inclusion & SEND adaptations

One of the strengths of dance is that it is naturally inclusive. Every pupil can take part, regardless of ability, confidence level, or learning need. Dance Days workshops are always adapted to suit SEND requirements and ensure accessibility.

How inclusivity is supported:

• Simplified step progressions: Teachers can scaffold routines so pupils choose a level that suits them.
• Visual cues & prompts: Demonstrations, props (like scarves), or visual aids support learners who need extra guidance.
• Peer-buddy system: Pupils can be paired up to encourage collaboration and support.
• Multisensory elements: Using percussion, props, or rhythmic claps makes sessions more engaging and accessible for all.

This ensures every pupil experiences the cultural and wellbeing benefits of Multicultural Week activities.

Practical tips for schools

Running a successful Multicultural Week requires a bit of planning, but with the right setup, workshops can run smoothly across the whole school.

Logistics & space:

• Use a hall, gym, or large classroom cleared of furniture for safe movement.
• Pupils should wear comfortable footwear or dance barefoot for some sessions.

Timetable planning:

• Sessions typically run 30–45 minutes per class, allowing rotations throughout the day.
• Whole-school assemblies are a great way to showcase learning.

Costumes & props:

• Costumes are not required, but simple props like scarves or paper flags can add colour and fun.
• Ensure props are used respectfully, highlighting their cultural meaning.

Safety considerations:

• Carry out a basic risk assessment before sessions.
• Remind pupils about personal space and movement boundaries.

By taking care of these details, schools can ensure Multicultural Week is both enjoyable and stress-free for teachers and pupils.

How Dance Days can support your Multicultural Week

Dance Days specialises in delivering engaging, curriculum-linked multicultural workshops that fit seamlessly into school timetables. Whether you want a full week plan or just one or two themed days, our instructors bring world dances, music, and storytelling into your school.

We also provide:

• Resource packs with worksheets and reflection prompts.
  
• Music & tracks used so you can continue dancing after our visit (just let us know you would like these and we'll send them over to you)
• Adapted workshops for SEND pupils, ensuring inclusivity for all.

👉 Ready to bring the world to your school? Contact Dance Days to check availability and book your Multicultural Week package.

Closing summary

Multicultural Week is one of the most exciting opportunities in the school calendar to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and global awareness. Dance brings these themes to life through music, movement, and storytelling that every pupil can enjoy. With a ready-to-use week plan, cross-curricular opportunities, and full support from Dance Days, schools can deliver a memorable week that enriches learning and inspires pupils.

👉 Book your tailored Multicultural Week dance workshops today and let Dance Days help your school celebrate the world in motion.