There’s something magical about Mommy and Me, or Parent and Me, dance classes. The little ones are just beginning to explore their bodies, their environment, and their bond with their parent or caregiver. As a teacher, this has always been one of my favorite class types to lead. With ages ranging from 18 months to 2 years old, you’re not just teaching movement, you’re creating joyful moments of discovery between child and adult.
I’ve taught this class for many years, and every time it brings me the same feeling: pure joy. Watching the little ones grow in confidence, coordination, and connection is something special. I even took this class with my little one. In this post, I’m sharing the structure I’ve used, what works well, and how you can guide both the children and the parents through a successful and meaningful experience.
Class Format: Keep It Short and Sweet
In my experience, it’s best to offer this class in short sessions, typically 6 to 9 weeks 30 to 45 minute class times. This gives families a chance to try it out without feeling locked in for a full year. Since these classes don’t build toward a spring concert or recital, there’s less pressure and more focus on development, joy, and bonding.
Set Expectations Early
At the start of every session, I talk with the parents or caregivers to help manage expectations. It’s important to remind them that at this age, it’s completely normal if a child wants to watch rather than jump right into the activity. Observation is part of learning. With time, the dancers usually become more comfortable and begin participating more freely. Or even if the seem to have more tears then giggles to start out with.
Encouraging the adults to join in and model the movement helps the children feel safe and curious. I always let them know that participation will look different for each child, and that’s okay.
Warm-Up: Creative Movement with Animal Fun
We begin each class with a creative movement warm-up. This is where we set the tone playful, imaginative, and movement-focused. I typically use animal songs that get us crawling like bears, flying like birds, or stomping like dinosaurs. We don’t just move like the animal, we make the sound, too! It’s a silly and effective way to engage everyone and spark imagination.
Parents are encouraged to join in fully. If they’re up for it, I tell them to pick up their dancer and move with them. This interaction deepens the connection and builds confidence in the little ones.
Circle Time Stretches and Basic Positions
Next, we move into circle stretches. Depending on the child’s comfort level, they can sit next to or on the lap of their adult. We go through simple stretches:
- Butterfly legs (soles of the feet together)
- Pike position (legs straight out in front)
- Straddle stretch (legs apart)
- Point and flex exercises for the feet
This structure mimics the beginning of my creative movement classes. You can find more structure and examples in my post:
👉 Lesson Plans for Preschool Dance Class: A Fun and Joyful Guide for Teachers
Building Strength and Control
As the session progresses, we introduce gentle strength-building exercises like:
- Mermaids (back stretches)
- Rocking horse (back and forth rocking spinal strengthener)
- Superman (laying on the tummy and lifting arms and legs)
These are introduced around the third or fourth week once the dancers are more familiar with the structure of class. It’s a fun way to start working on core strength and posture in a very age-appropriate way.
Basic Ballet and Across the Floor
I like to introduce some beginner ballet movements in parallel position:
- Plies
- Piques
- Sautés (jumps)
Then we go across the floor! This is where confidence really starts to shine. I place poly spots to mark a starting and ending point and have the dancers and their adults take turns going two pairs at a time. At first, I encourage the parent or caregiver to go across the floor with their dancer. Later in the session, many kids will be ready to go solo with their adult waiting at the end.
Movements we do across the floor include:
- Demi-pointe walks
- Marches
- Gallops
- Bunny or frog hops
- Leaps (over a small object like a scarf or soft prop)
These activities help develop gross motor skills and coordination in a joyful and engaging way.
Cool Down and Closing Rituals
We end each class with Freeze Dance, truly one of the most joyful parts of the lesson. The music plays, everyone dances, and when the music stops, we freeze! The giggles, the hugs, the dancing—it’s the kind of moment that makes the whole class worth it.
And of course, no class is complete without stickers. This small tradition gives closure and something to look forward to. It also allows for a personal high-five moment with each child.
Why It Matters
Classes like this help children:
- Bond more deeply with their parent or caregiver
- Build gross motor and spatial awareness
- Practice listening and following simple directions
- Begin developing independence in a low-pressure environment
For the parents, it’s just as meaningful. They get to slow down, be present, and witness their child’s growth through movement.
If you’re teaching or starting your own Mommy and Me class, remember: simplicity, consistency, and fun go a long way. This isn’t about perfect form or mastering choreography—it’s about joyful movement and connection.
Looking for more preschool dance ideas? Check out these related posts:
👉 How to Encourage Your Frustrated, Flustered, and Overwhelmed Dance Students
👉 The Ultimate Dance Teacher Survival Guide: Tips for Avoiding Burnout
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B
