Lesson Plans for Preschool Dance Class: A Fun and Joyful Guide for Teachers

As a dance teacher, creative movement classes are some of my favorite classes to teach. Now, don’t get me wrong, they are definitely some of the most exhausting classes I teach, but they bring so much joy and light into my day. Honestly, they’re just fun. There’s something about the energy of preschoolers in a dance class that is truly magical.

But if I’m being completely honest with you, I used to be extremely intimidated by teaching these classes. Even after assisting in a preschool dance class back in high school and earning a degree in dance education, I would sometimes feel that familiar sense of dread creeping in on a Friday night or early Saturday morning before a full day of creative movement, preschool ballet, and mommy-and-me classes.

Now? I wish I had a few more of these classes on my schedule.

If you’re a new dance teacher, or even a seasoned one looking for fresh ideas, feel free to steal some of my favorite preschool ballet exercises below. Use them as-is, or take bits and pieces to fill in the gaps in your own lesson plans for preschool dance class.

Start of Class: High-Energy, Structured Movement

I love to kick off class with an activity that gets the wiggles out—but with a purpose. I avoid traditional freeze dance at the beginning and instead opt for creative movement with clear instructions. One of my favorites is Animal Action.
Listen on Apple Music

It gives dancers the freedom to move and play while still listening and following directions—perfect for starting off on the right foot.

Warm-Up (Usually in a Circle)

These are some of my favorite warm-ups that build routine, vocabulary, and flexibility—all while keeping things fun:

Preschool Ballet for Kids – Apple Music Album (I like to play soft ballet music while stretching)

Butterfly Stretches
Posture Check – “Tall giraffe backs… now slouch like a couch potato!”
Balloon Arms – Start with arms in first, second, and fifth position while pretending to blow up a balloon.
Flapping Knees & Nose-to-Toes – Ask: “What color is your butterfly?” or “Where will it fly?”
Pike Stretch with Flex and Point – Focus on turnout vs. parallel using cues like “to the ceiling” and “to first position.”

Fan Favorite: Pizza Stretch

This one’s always a hit! Here’s how it goes:

Start in a pike position.
Pretend to grab your dough roller and roll out your pizza.
Add pizza sauce by patting it all the way to your toes.
Ask each dancer to pick one ingredient—we add it together and pat to the toes.
Shake knees to “cook the pizza” (cheese melting).
Slide pizza back and blow on it.
Slice it for a straddle stretch!
Reach and “eat pizza” on the right, the left, and in the middle.

Creative Movement and Core Work

Paint Rainbows in Straddle – Let each child choose a color and stretch side to side.
Shooting Stars – Lie back, sit up to “catch a star,” repeat a few times, then make a wish.
Mermaid Back Stretch + Rocking Horse – back strengtheners
Flower Growth Transition – Calm transition off the floor. Curl into a ball and grow arms up like petals.

Simple Ballet Vocabulary

I like to incorporate vocabulary words with movement:

Plié – “To bend”
Tendu – “To stretch”
Sauté – “To jump”
Piqué – “To prick”
First and Second Position – Introduce these through games and songs

Want more help introducing ballet terms? Read How to Teach Ballet Fingers: Perfecting Hand Shape for Graceful Movement

Across the Floor (Gross Motor Skills Focus)

Use these to help dancers build coordination and hit developmental milestones:

Demi-Pointe Walks
Skips – Great for motor skills assessment (should be developed by age 6)
Chassé (Gallops)
Frog Hops
Bunny Hops – Especially great for 2s and 3s learning to jump off both feet

Ending Class: Directed Freeze Dance

End class with structure and imagination:

“Show me how slow you can dance”
“Only dance with your fingers”
“Dance like you’re in outer space”

This gives your dancers one more opportunity to express themselves while also practicing control.

Final Thoughts

I hope these exercises help take the stress out of planning your next preschool class. Teaching little ones can be unpredictable and high-energy, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences in dance education. And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, remember: it’s okay to repeat activities, try new things, and most of all—have fun.

Looking for more lesson plan inspiration or preschool dance content? Check out:

Happy teaching!

Taylor B.

Taylormadebyfaith@gmail.com