One of the most common questions I’ve seen online, and one I get asked pretty often is:“If I start ballet as an adult, or return to class after a long time, can I ever go on pointe?” It’s a fair question. Pointe shoes seem like the pinnacle of ballet training, something reserved for dancers who’ve …
How to Teach a Mommy and Me Dance Class: A Fun and Flexible Lesson Plan for Ages 18 Months to 2 Years
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 …
What’s the Difference Between Teaching Dance in Public Schools vs. Private Studios?
As someone who has spent years teaching dance in both public school settings and private studios, I can tell you: the environment you teach in shapes everything. From your lesson plan structure to how you manage the room, what your students expect to learn, and even how you define success, it all shifts depending on …
Ballet Should Be the Foundation of Every Dance Student’s Training
Growing up, I lived inside a ballet studio. The sound of pointe shoes on marley floors, the discipline of daily barre work, and the unwavering focus on technique shaped not only how I danced, but who I became. At the time, I thought every young dancer followed a similar path. Now, working at a vibrant …
Teaching Backstage Etiquette to Kids: Why It Matters and How to Start Early
As dance teachers, we pour countless hours into preparing our students for performances, polishing choreography, fitting costumes, and encouraging confidence. But one area that often gets overlooked until the last minute is backstage etiquette. Yet teaching this from the very beginning, even to your youngest dancers, is just as important as rehearsing the final bow. …
50 Inspiring Quotes for Dance Teachers: Motivation for the Studio and Beyond
As dance teachers, we give so much of ourselves, our energy, our creativity, our patience to help our students grow. Whether you’re leading a beginner ballet class or coaching pre-professional dancers through performance season, there are moments when you might feel physically and emotionally drained. That’s when a few well-chosen words can rekindle your spark …
What to Pack for a Summer Dance Intensive: Essentials List
If you’re prepping for a summer dance intensive, you already know how exciting and slightly overwhelming it can be. From packing your dancewear to figuring out what’s actually essential, it’s easy to overthink what to bring (and what to leave at home). It’s been a while since I attended a summer intensive, but I still …
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 …
Attention Getters for Dance Class: Classroom Management That Actually Works
As a former public school dance educator who also teaches in the private studio setting I’ve taught in just about every classroom setting you can imagine—tiny elementary gymnasiums, middle school multipurpose rooms, and beautifully mirrored dance studios. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned across all these environments, it’s this: Getting your students’ attention quickly …
Honor the Educators Who Inspire Us: Thank A Dance Teacher Day
Thank a Dance Teacher Day: Celebrate the Heart Behind the Art on May 1st As a dance teacher myself, I know how much of this work is done behind the scenes, often with little recognition. We show up early to warm up the studio and stay late to talk to students after class. We hold …