Recommended songs for eurhythmics. Let's enjoy music using our bodies!
Eurhythmics, which involves moving the body in time with music and sounds, is said to have very positive effects on children’s development—not only nurturing musical sensitivity but also fostering expressiveness, cooperation, and independence.
Because it lets children enjoy music up close and have fun with it, many preschools and kindergartens have adopted it.
So this time, we’re introducing recommended songs for eurhythmics.
From timeless classics to tunes that are especially popular with kids, we’ve gathered plenty of songs that will make you want to move your body.
Be sure to get moving to your heart’s content together with the children!
Recommended songs for Eurhythmics: Let’s enjoy music with our bodies! (1–10)
Walk ~ Run ~ Stop ~ Turn
Let’s draw out movements like “walking,” “running,” “stopping,” and “spinning” through the tempo and style of your playing! Songs that children are familiar with are recommended.
For example, with “Puppy March,” play at a normal tempo for walking, speed up a lot for running, and play short, sharp chords to stop the music when they freeze—adjust your playing to naturally guide their movements.
For spinning, choose a piece with lots of turns; for sleeping, pick something in the higher register that feels like a music box.
Select pieces while imagining how the children will move.
strollInoue Azumi
“Sanpo,” the song used in My Neighbor Totoro, is a tune that children love and are very familiar with.
Let’s try incorporating this song into eurhythmics.
First, play the song normally and have the children walk.
When the music stops, they stop walking.
Then, when the music starts again, they begin walking again.
You can add sound effects for when the music stops, and have them perform other actions when they hear the sound—such as crouching or putting their hands together above their heads.
This adds complexity and helps train the brain.
Try getting creative and using a variety of ideas with a single song.
Hop Step Jump-kun
Let’s hop around and have fun just like the title says! Jumping is a full-body exercise, so unlike finger-play songs, this track is perfect for building stamina.
As shown in the video, forming small groups works well too—it might help the kids bond more with each other.
Don’t give detailed instructions; let them play however they like, and it will boost their creativity.
Even very young children who don’t understand the words can join in easily.
It could also be a great chance to strengthen the parent-child bond.
Piyo-Piyo MarchSakushi: Satou Hiromichi / Sakkyoku: Honda Youichirou
With its rhythmic tempo and adorable lyrics, this piece is a perfect dance song for children aged 0 to 2.
The choreography, inspired by the movements of baby chicks, is simple and easy to remember, encouraging kids to move their bodies naturally.
Released in March 2016, it’s a popular track widely used at sports days and recitals.
Moving in time with the “Go! Stop!” calls makes it fun while helping develop basic physical abilities.
Dancing together as a parent and child is also a great way to deepen communication.
Be sure to enjoy it with your little one!
EcosseSakkyoku: Funmeru
Composed by Hummel, this piece is a lively, rhythmic piano work inspired by Scottish dances.
Though short and simple in structure, it overflows with a bright, cheerful atmosphere.
There are no lyrics, but its duple meter makes it perfect for moving your body to the beat! The alternating phrases between the left and right hands also make it ideal for coordinating hand movements with the music.
Composed in 1810, it remains beloved by many to this day.
It’s perfect not only for use in eurhythmics lessons, but also for enjoying music time with your children.
dragonfly glassesdōyō
While listening to “Tonbo no Megane” (Dragonfly’s Glasses), pretend to be a dragonfly and move along.
During the introduction, spread your arms and twist your body left and right on the spot.
Once the singing starts, keep your arms spread and run around as if tracing a circle, then finish by kicking one leg back and freezing at the end of the song.
To help children picture how dragonflies fly, it’s best to first show them a picture book or video, or watch real dragonflies during a walk.
This activity helps develop the ability to distinguish musical elements and focus on sound, while letting kids move their bodies with joy—so be sure to try it in a space where you have plenty of room.
Mr. ElephantSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma
Brimming with energy and warmth, this song carries a wonderful message that nurtures children’s self-esteem.
The gentle melody and lyrics crafted by Ikuma Dan and Michio Mado convey the depth of the parent-child bond.
Released in September 2017, this piece reaffirms the enduring charm of long-loved children’s songs.
Incorporating it into eurhythmics time could help foster children’s expressive abilities and cooperation.
If everyone holds hands and sways while singing, you’re sure to create joyful memories together.
Where are you from?dōyō
This song is a traditional children’s tune, formally titled “Higo Temari Song.” While bouncing a handball, each time the syllables sa or ga appear, you’re supposed to pass the ball under your leg; in this video’s eurhythmics arrangement, we instead jump at those moments.
Carefully listening to the lyrics and timing your jump is trickier than it seems and can be good training for both the mind and body.
Adding variations—like jumping upward, forward, or backward—makes it even more challenging.
Yakiimo goo-choki-padōyō
Guu-choki-paa is a very important set of movements also used in rock-paper-scissors.
It’s fine to practice while learning the rules of the game, but if you move along to the song “Yakiimo Guu-Chii-Paa,” you might learn the hand motions more smoothly and enjoyably! Start by singing slowly and moving your fingers to match the lyrics.
Once you’re used to it, connect it to full-body movement—for example, squat on “Guu,” cross your arms and legs on “Chii,” and spread your arms and legs wide on “Paa.”
Mickey Mouse MarchDizunī
Mickey Mouse March is one of Disney’s signature numbers and is used at Disney parks around the world.
The intro alone lifts your spirits, so it’s a song loved by both kids and adults! With the Japanese version, children can learn the lyrics and sing along.
The English version has a cool and cute sound, making it great for dancing too! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to wear Mickey or Minnie costumes and perform it at a school recital? And if you’re a Disney-loving parent and child, definitely use this song as BGM to dance and sing together and have fun at home!
