Music Toys Teach Kids To Sing, Dance

For the toy test, children, ages 2 to 12, at day-care centers across the country played with more than 6,000 toys submitted by toy makers. Along with their teachers, the children graded each toy in 10 different categories to find out which toys had real staying power.

SpinMaster's

Bella Dancerella Pop Star Home Studio

gives children ages 3 to 8, a chance to learn all the basic dance moves that they need to be a superstar as they sing along with a real microphone headset and dance on a colorful numbered dance mat.

The Spin Master Bella Dancerella Pop Star Studio is $25.

Another music and dance toy that kid testers rated high was

Disney Electronics'

CD and Graphics Karoke System, which includes cables that put song lyrics on a television screen. The system, which plays regular music compact discs, also has echo effects and can handle one or two microphones.

For children 6 years old and older, the Disney CD and Graphics Karaoke System is $45.

And the third toy to make the "Fabulous 14" is

Twister Moves

from Milton Bradley. With this toy, children try to keep up with commands given by "jammin' DJs," and compete by twisting, dancing and moving to music. For up to four dances, Twister Moves' include compact disc provides nearly 150 dance sessions.

For ages 8 and older, Twister Moves is $20.