Apple Dance

Overview

Here's a great way to get folks up close and personal on a chilly fall night. Partners must hold an apple between their foreheads as they dance to a variety of musical styles. The DJ can really liven things up by switching the types of music rapidly, or soften it by playing one continuous song. You set the mood to fit your event.

Age

School-age, Tweens, Teens, Adults

Number of Players

3 to 4, 5 to 10, 10 to 20, 20+, As many as you can handle!

Team Division

Buddy up (pairs of two)

Competitiveness

Either/or (can be played either way)

Difficulty

Easy peasy (fun and simple)

Indoor or Outdoor

Either

Space Needed

Medium (a clearable open space the size of a 2-car garage), Large (gym, outdoor field, reception hall)

Noise Level

Semi-rambunctious

Mess Factor

Clean and tidy

Prep Time

No prep time needed!

Game Time Length

5 minutes or less

Supplies

1 apple (or balloon) for each couple

Some form of music system - CD player, radio, MP3 player

Assorted music that can be easily changed, such as on a CD or playlist

Setup

1. Assign a "DJ" and set up station for playing music.
2. Have everyone find a partner and spread out in the playing area.
3. Hand an apple (or balloon) to each couple.

How to Play

1. Have each couple place the apple (or balloon) between their foreheads as securely as they can.
2. Without letting the apple fall, have the couples join hands.
3. Have the DJ begin playing music.
4. Couples must begin to dance to the style of music being played, i.e., if it's classical they should waltz, or sway, if it's pop they should shimmy and shake, if it's 50s they should twist...
5. Couples must keep the apple between their foreheads without letting the apple fall. If it does fall they can pick the apple up, replace it, and begin again.
6. Play continues with the music changing styles for about 3 minutes or so... or until everyone seems tired from the effort!

Variations

1. To make the game competitive, eliminate couples as they drop their apples.
2. Don't switch the music, just choose one song and have couples dance from beginning to end.
3. Use any other round object: ball, clean rolled-up socks, stuffed animal, toilet paper roll... anything that can be squeezed between two heads.
4. Theme your music and object. Do the "Monster Mash" with ping pong balls colored like eyeballs; play some jungle music and use a banana, try a pirate song and a sponge (for swabbing the deck, of course!).

Tips

1. Safety first. Never use anything sharp or breakable as your "apple".