Hidden talents even elementary school kids can do! A collection of performance ideas that will liven up any event
At school events or gatherings with friends, you might feel stuck when someone says, “Show us a party trick!” But don’t worry! There are plenty of simple acts that even elementary schoolers can do, like magic tricks using everyday items, playing the recorder you learned in class, or traditional skills like string figures and spinning tops.
Here, we’ll introduce lots of easy tricks that will wow everyone with just a little practice.
We’ve gathered a wide range—from things you can try with friends to quick solo acts—so find the one that suits you best!
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Hidden talents even elementary schoolers can do! A collection of act ideas to liven up events (1–10)
Challenge the bamboo dance
Why not try your hand at a bamboo dance that uses long bamboo poles? It originated as a traditional dance in places like the Philippines, but in Japan it’s also well known as a children’s activity.
The operators open and close four bamboo poles to a waltz-like three-beat rhythm, while the dancers step nimbly to avoid getting caught by the poles.
Because coordination between the operators and dancers is crucial, it’s a great recommendation for those looking for a party trick to perform with close friends or classmates.
Start by practicing with two poles, then increase the number once you’ve got the rhythm down.
Having multiple dancers raises the difficulty, but it also adds to the performance’s color and impact.
My First Diabolo
Why not try diabolo, a form of juggling? From a beginner’s perspective, it’s amazing how the string doesn’t get tangled, but the instructions explain the practice method clearly, so use them as a guide and give it a try.
We’ll start with the basic steps—how to spin the diabolo.
To perform diabolo tricks, you need to spin the spool steadily and keep it going.
This basic step is very important, so be sure to master it.
Once you do, it will become a hidden talent that’s useful in any situation.
Challenge the ‘Jugemu’ tongue twister!
A classic staple among opening acts in rakugo! The tongue twister “Jugemu” is famous, and it’s surprising to learn it’s actually a person’s name.
The story goes that when auspicious words wishing for a long life were strung together, it ended up this long.
For elementary school kids, it may seem like a confusing string of words and feel difficult, but there are some funny phrases along the way, and near the end it finally sounds like a real name with “Chosuke.” If you can say it, that’s amazing! You’ll definitely get praised, so don’t give up—practice and wow everyone.
Hidden talents even elementary schoolers can do! A collection of act ideas to liven up events (11–20)
A flutist using things you have at home!
At school, we don’t often get the chance to play instruments other than the recorder or the melodica.
But did you know you can play something like a flute using items you have at home? Try performing with objects that can produce a lovely, flute-like sound.
For example, a bottle! Place your lower lip on the mouth of the bottle, and blow as if you’re directing your breath toward the far edge of the bottle’s opening, rather than into the inside of the bottle.
For low notes, blow with a “hoo, hoo,” and for high notes, push your tongue slightly forward and blow like “hyoo, hyoo.” Adjust the sound and try making music with bottles, as well as items like chikuwa (a tube-shaped fish cake) or cups! It’s also fun to play together in a small ensemble.
Recommended for koma lovers! Tightrope-walking tricks
If you’re good at spinning tops, how about showing off a slightly more advanced trick called “tightrope walking”? In this trick, the top travels along a string that you hold taut with both hands.
Before attempting it, you first need to learn a move called “Swallow Return.” Swallow Return is a trick where you throw a top with its string wound and catch it spinning on your palm.
Once the top is on your palm, hook both ends of the string around your index fingers.
Raise the hand without the top slightly; when the top’s spindle touches the string, lower the raised hand and guide the top along—if it keeps moving, you’ve nailed the trick! Practice well and give it a try.
Double Dutch with two ropes
Double Dutch, which uses two ropes, has a different kind of dynamism from regular jump rope and really gets everyone excited! The turners swing each rope from the left and right, and the jumper goes in between, jumps, exits, and can even add tricks.
When entering, keep the rhythm as if you’re reaching to catch the rope, and step into the center between the ropes.
Jump lightly, just like with regular long-rope jumping.
When exiting, if you’ve jumped an odd number of times, exit diagonally opposite from where you entered; if you’ve jumped an even number of times, exit on the same side you entered.
Practice well while being careful not to get injured, and show off your skills!
Unicycle master!
A unicycle is more challenging than a bicycle because it doesn’t have handlebars.
That’s exactly why people who can ride one look so impressive! It’s also a perfect idea to show off as a hidden talent.
The key to riding a unicycle is to focus on moving forward from your navel.
Start by simply pedaling straight, then gradually try turning and taking curves.
Performing solo is great, but forming a team with a few people and presenting a dance-like routine to music is also highly recommended! Give it a try!