The Blog
Category
- About Little Dancer
- Ballet Technique
- Benefits of Dance
- Child Development
- Classroom Management
- Dance Studio Management
- Dance Studio Marketing
- Dance Studio Owners
- Dance Teachers
- Dance Technique
- Lesson Planning
- Parent Communication
- Preschool Ballet
- Preschool Ballet Teaching Tips
- Preschool Dance
- Preschool Dance Activities
- Preschool Dance Teaching
- Teaching Ballet
- Teaching Resources
How to Plan Successful Parent Observations in Preschool Dance Classes
Planning a preschool dance parent observation? Learn how to choose activities, explain what children are learning, manage parent expectations, and create an enjoyable experience for students and families.
5 Ways Preschool Dance Supports Social and Emotional Development
Discover five ways preschool dance classes can support children's social and emotional development through independent movement, imaginative play, physical activity, sensory exploration, and cooperative dance activities.
Preschool Dance Classroom Management: Setting Expectations and Building Good Habits
Learn practical classroom management strategies for preschool dance and pre-ballet classes. Discover how to establish age-appropriate expectations, use positive reinforcement, build consistent routines, and help young dancers participate successfully.
7 Creative Preschool Dance Themes (With Movement Activity Ideas)
Looking for creative preschool dance themes? Explore seven imaginative lesson ideas, including garden bugs, oceans, ice cream shops, camping, and rainforest adventures, with movement activities that teach real dance concepts.
Meet Ashley Hartford: The Story Behind Little Dancer
Meet Ashley Hartford, founder of Little Dancer, former professional ballet dancer, studio owner, and ABT-certified teacher. Discover how her experiences teaching preschool dance inspired a story-based approach combining imagination, age-appropriate dance instruction, and child development.
10 Tips for Teaching Successful Toddler and Preschool Dance Classes
Discover 10 practical tips for teaching toddler and preschool dance classes, including lesson planning, classroom management, imaginative activities, transitions, teaching dance technique, and keeping young dancers engaged.
How to Keep Preschool Dancers' Attention
Struggling to keep preschool dancers engaged? Learn how imaginative play, storytelling, age-appropriate activities, and smoother transitions can help young children stay interested while learning real dance skills.
Is Your Preschool Dance Class Too Hyper? 6 Ways to Help Students Settle Down and Focus
Struggling with an overly energetic preschool dance class? Discover six practical ways to improve classroom management, keep young dancers engaged, manage transitions, and help children settle and focus.
How to Use Props Effectively in Preschool Dance Classes
Learn how to choose and use props in preschool dance classes. Discover creative ideas for scarves, hula hoops, beanbags, and more, plus practical tips for safety, classroom management, and teaching movement concepts.
What Are SMART Goals? A Guide for Preschool Dance Teachers
What are SMART goals, and how can preschool dance teachers use them? Learn where the SMART framework originated, how it's used in education, and how it can help you plan purposeful, developmentally appropriate dance classes.
Using SMART Goals to Improve Classroom Behavior in Preschool Dance
Learn how to use SMART goals to improve classroom routines and behavior in preschool dance classes. Includes a practical four-week example for teaching turn-taking, setting age-appropriate expectations, and helping young dancers succeed.
How to Set SMART Goals for Your Preschool Dance Classes
Learn how to create SMART goals for preschool dance classes with practical examples for teaching balance, coordination, and movement skills while keeping lessons imaginative and developmentally appropriate.
How to Help Parents See the Value of Preschool Dance Classes
Help parents recognize the value of preschool dance classes with practical ideas for parent observations, communicating learning objectives, celebrating progress, and improving student retention.
How to Strengthen and Grow Your Children's Dance Program
Learn five ways to strengthen your children's dance program, from age-appropriate instruction and teacher training to parent communication and student retention.
15 Preschool Dance Class Games Your Little Dancers Will Ask For Again
Fifteen preschool dance class games for ballet and creative movement, sorted by where they fit in your lesson, with teaching tips for ages 3 to 7.