The First Dance Class that didn't go as Planned
It’s the first day of the new dance season.
You arrive at the studio early, full of energy and hope. You have your class plan in hand—everything perfectly outlined. Today is the day you'll set the tone, introduce your class rules, and start the season off right.
But as you step into the lobby, your plan is already unraveling.
A small child is clinging tightly to their mom, tears streaming down their face. You smile warmly and try to coax them into the room. You offer stickers, a stuffed animal, a gentle voice. But the more you try, the harder they cry. Eventually, mom gives you a sympathetic smile and whispers, “Maybe they’re just not ready,” before scooping up their dancer and heading out the door.
You take a deep breath. Five more dancers are waiting for you.
They seem eager—until they enter the studio and immediately start running. You raise your voice slightly. “Everyone to a spot!” But your voice blends into the sound of feet pounding across the floor. You sit down in the circle. Two dancers sit beside you. Hopeful. But as soon as you stand to gather the others, they jump up and start running too.
You cue the music, hoping to channel their energy. They move—but not with you. Arms flail, legs leap, bodies spin—but not in sync. You reach for your class plan, but it feels like a waste now.
It’s time to go across the floor.
You attempt to line them up. One sits. One lies down. One is upside down. It takes ten minutes just to create a line. When you finally demonstrate the movement, they’re climbing on the barre, whispering, wandering. You feel sweat forming at your brow.
And then—you hear it.
Another child starts to cry. “I want my mommy.”
Her mom watches through the window with worry. The crying grows louder. The door opens. Mom walks in. You're kind, but you can feel control slipping. The class is almost over. You throw on freeze dance just to end on a high note.
Finally, it’s done.
You glance at your class plan.
Not a single item was completed.
Later that day, the studio informs you that two students have un-enrolled. The crying child didn’t want to return. Another parent says, “I don’t want to pay for my child to play freeze dance. I thought they’d learn real dance.”
You feel defeated. Not because you’re not a good teacher—but because you weren’t prepared for that.
That's Why I Created the Back to Dance Challenge
To prepare you for more than your lesson plan—to prepare you for your students.
Inside the challenge, you’ll learn how to:
- Plan for separation anxiety before it starts
- Set up visual systems to help children feel safe
- Create routines that build structure and reduce chaos
- Handle transitions without losing momentum
- Communicate clearly with parents so they trust your leadership
- Use props, visuals, and music strategically—not reactively
- Enter that first class prepared, confident, and in control
Accept the Challenge
What is the Challenge?
The Back to Dance Challenge is your step-by-step roadmap to launching a successful dance season with preschool and early childhood dancers. Over four weeks in July, you’ll receive drip-released resources, tools, and interactive community support to help you plan, organize, and feel excited about teaching again!
This challenge is exclusive to members of the Dance to Learn® Library and Community and is packed with ready-to-use content, expert tips, and engagement strategies to ease the back-to-class chaos.
You Deserve to have a Successful Dance Season
The Back to Dance Challenge is more than a checklist—it's a complete support system for preschool and early childhood dance teachers getting ready for the new season. Over the course of four weeks, you’ll receive structured, bite-sized content drops every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout July. Each release is designed to help you prepare for the unique challenges of starting a new session with young dancers—from handling separation anxiety and classroom management to playlist planning, visual aids, and family communication. You'll be guided step-by-step through key strategies while connecting with a like-minded teaching community.
- Blog: 10 Essential Preparations before Teaching the First Dance Class of the Season
- Beyond the Barre Episode: Utilizing a Dance Class Roadmap
- Mini Course: Separation Anxiety
- Pointe by Point Action Plan: Back to Dance
- Editable Welcome Email Templates: 3 Email Templates
- First Class Parent Checklist: Help prepare families for success
- Behind-the-Scenes Video: Make Your Own Dance Bag
- Editable Open House Flyer Template
- Daily Community Prompts: Share ideas, wins, and progress with fellow teachers
How it Works
Become a Member
This Challenge is exclusive to our Dance to Learn® Members
Accept the Challenge
Accept the Challenge when it opens on 7/1
Complete the Content
Complete the content as it is dripped into the Challenge
Challenge Stamp
Receive a Stamp in your Challenge Passport to Level Up
👋
Hi! I'm Jessica
Hi! I'm Jessica
Hi! I'm Jessica, a retired professional ballet dancer turned passionate dance educator!
Like many new teachers, I quickly learned that being a great dancer doesn’t mean being a great teacher. I struggled in the classroom, feeling overwhelmed and unsure. But everything changed when I shifted my focus to what truly matters—my students.
Through years of research and experience, I discovered how children dance, learn, grow, and develop. Now, I’m here to help YOU gain the confidence, structure, and tools to create an engaging, effective dance classroom.
💡 That's why I started the Dance Teacher Challenges!
👉 Join me inside! You don't have to go at this alone!
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