New Scarf Play-Along: Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker “Trepak”
There is something magical about bringing The Nutcracker to life in the elementary music room—especially when scarves are involved. Today, I’m excited to share a brand-new scarf play-along featuring Tchaikovsky’s electrifying “Trepak.” This iconic movement from the ballet is packed with energy, making it the perfect piece for young students to move, create, and experience classical music in a joyful and inviting way.
Why “Trepak” Works So Well With Scarves
The lively tempo, accented rhythms, and bold melodic gestures make “Trepak” an excellent introduction to expressive movement. Young musicians can explore:
High vs. low pathways
Quick vs. sustained movement
Level changes and directional shifts
Form awareness through repeated sections
Your students will love tracing the swirling pathways in the air while connecting their movement to one of the most famous ballets of all time.
Watch the Scarf Play-Along Video
Let students experiment with their scarves first, then guide them through the routine section-by-section—or simply press play and enjoy the excitement as they follow along.
Recording is from the Cincinnati Balley found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3goZ00ESck
Free Manipulatives to Prepare the Routine
To help your students be successful, I created a set of free scaffolding manipulatives that pair perfectly with the video. These visuals will help students practice the movement patterns before performing them with the music.
Download them here:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech/extras
These resources are available as both a PowerPoint and a PDF, so you can project them, print them, or use them as stations.
Ideas for Classroom Use
Here are a few quick ways to incorporate this play-along into your lessons:
Warm-Up Activity: Use the guided patterns to focus on motor planning and expressive movement.
Form Exploration: Have students listen for and identify repeated themes.
Creative Extension: Invite students to invent their own scarf pathways for a reprise of the routine.
Cross-Curricular Connection: Tie this into a unit about The Nutcracker.
Whether you're teaching PreK or younger elementary, “Trepak” brings a burst of excitement to your winter lessons.
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