A Day in the Life: Dance Teacher Edition
With back-to-school season in full swing, both teachers and students are organizing their schedules. I wanted to share what my schedule looks like as a full-time dance teacher. I teach full-time in the public school sector, and in addition, I work part-time at a private studio after school hours. I enjoy teaching in both settings and gain something unique from each environment. While the methods and approaches I use in public schools differ significantly from how I teach in a private studio, I truly enjoy teaching in both settings and am grateful for the opportunity to do both!
As a dedicated dance teacher, each day is an adventure filled with creativity, challenges, and the joy of seeing my students grow. Balancing the demands of teaching in both a public school and a private studio, my schedule is always packed, but the rewards are immeasurable. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day in my life.
Dance Teacher Schedule
4:45 AM – 5:00 AM
I usually start my mornings early, giving myself about a 15-minute buffer to peel myself out of bed.
5:00 AM – 5:40 AM
This time is dedicated to Bible study, prayer, meditation, and some form of physical movement like yoga or Pilates.
5:40 AM – 6:00 AM
I get dressed. I try to prep as much as I can the night before so I don’t spend too much time getting ready.
6:00 AM – 6:15 AM
I gather my lunch, pack my work bag, and any additional supplies needed. Then, I head to the car.
6:15 AM – 6:40 AM
I wake my toddler up and get her dressed (I usually prep most of her items at night as well).
6:45 AM – 7:05 AM
I drop my toddler off at school.
7:10 AM – 7:30 AM
Commute to school.
7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Our official report time at school is 7:30 AM. My schedule changes almost every year, but typically, I teach five classes a day, from kindergarten through 4th grade. In addition to teaching dance, my day usually includes morning and afternoon duties as well as some planning time.
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
This time includes teaching at the studio twice a week. I teach ballet, pointe, and yoga to various ages, along with rehearsals and private lessons. I meal prep on these days so that my family can eat dinner at a reasonable time and I don’t have to cook on days that I teach late.
Days that I am not at the studio include swim lessons for my daughter or just coming home and spending some quality relaxing time as a family, and enjoying family dinner.
Tips and Encouragement for Dance Teachers
As a dance teacher, staying on schedule and maintaining a positive outlook can be challenging, but it’s essential for your well-being and your students’ success. Here are some tips and encouragement to help you stay on track:
1. Schedule Moments of Rest
Make sure to schedule moments of rest for yourself to recover and prevent burnout. Teaching dance is physically and mentally demanding, so it’s crucial to take care of your own needs.
2. Take Advantage of School Holidays
Use school holidays to refill your cup. Plan relaxing activities or short getaways to recharge your energy.
3. Stay Organized
Prepare as much as possible the night before, whether it’s packing your bags, prepping meals, or laying out clothes. This will make your mornings smoother and less stressful.
4. Find Joy in Both Settings
Teaching in both public schools and private studios can be demanding, but it’s also rewarding. Embrace the differences and find joy in the unique experiences each setting provides.
5. Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from colleagues, friends, or family. Building a support network can make a huge difference in managing your workload and maintaining a positive attitude.
6. Prioritize Self-Care
Incorporate self-care practices into your routine. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones, self-care is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing burnout.
7. Keep Learning
Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in dance education. Attend workshops, take online courses, and engage with the dance community to continuously improve your skills and knowledge.
8. Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable goals for yourself and your students. Celebrate small victories along the way to keep motivation high.
9. Foster a Positive Learning Environment
Create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere in your classes. Positive reinforcement and constructive feedback can significantly impact your students’ growth and confidence.
10. Embrace Flexibility
Be adaptable and open to changes in your schedule or teaching methods. Flexibility is key to managing the dynamic nature of teaching dance.
Remember, as a dance teacher, you are inspiring the next generation of dancers. Your dedication and passion for dance make a significant impact on your students. Keep pushing forward, stay organized, and take time for yourself.
11. Balancing Personal Life
Despite my busy schedule, I make it a priority to spend quality time with my family.
12. Evening Wind-Down
By the end of the day, I’m physically tired but mentally fulfilled. I take some time to reflect on the day’s classes, noting what went well and what could be improved. This reflection is key to my growth as a teacher and ensures that I continually provide the best for my students.
Afterward, I enjoy a relaxing evening with my family, often ending the day with a good book or a favorite TV show. Rest and relaxation are essential for maintaining my energy levels and enthusiasm for teaching.
Conclusion
Being a dance teacher is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding profession. Each day brings new challenges and triumphs, and the joy of seeing my students develop their skills and passion for dance is unparalleled. Whether in a public school setting or a private studio, my goal is to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers, helping them to discover the beauty and power of dance.
If you’re a dance teacher or aspiring to become one, I hope this glimpse into my daily routine provides some inspiration and insight. Remember, every step you take as a teacher makes a significant impact on your students’ lives.
Looking for the right studio to train at? Check out this article on how to choose the right dance studio here.
Curious about what career paths are available for dancers beyond the stage? Check out this post: Top 15 Career Choices for Dancers Off the Stage.
Happy dancing!
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Taylor
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