What happens when teachers combine consistency with creativity and imagination in preschool dance?
I want to share a special perspective with you today. We’ll be taking a look inside preschool dance teacher, Danielle Brabston’s, classes. Danielle teaches preschool dance classes at Briarwood Ballet in Alabama, and her experience highlights something many studio owners hope for:
Teachers who feel confident, prepared, and able to keep young students engaged from the moment class begins.
In an interview, Danielle told us that imagination is one of the biggest keys to keeping preschoolers focused:
“The most important thing for me to keep them engaged is definitely imagination… I try to build my whole class around imagination and helping them to use that powerful tool to engage in what we are learning.”
She noticed that when technique was presented without imaginative context, students lost interest quickly. But when movement was tied to stories, characters, or imagery, the same skills suddenly made sense to them. As someone with a teaching background but newer to ballet instruction, Danielle also found that having structured lesson ideas and training resources helped her feel more confident leading her classes. Danielle uses teacher training and lesson plans from our Little Dancer Program.
“I enjoy watching Ashley and seeing how she introduces technique to her students. It gives me good ideas in terms of how to explain it and introduce a new concept… it has been really helpful for me to have those resources.”
She also uses the printables and materials from the lesson plans to bring lessons to life. When she adds those imaginative elements, she notices a clear difference in how her students respond.
“It definitely adds a level of excitement and imagination and enthusiasm… the biggest change I’ve seen is in their level of engagement and excitement.”
For studio owners, that kind of classroom experience matters more than we often realize.
When teachers feel prepared and confident, classes run more smoothly. When students are engaged, parents notice. And when parents notice, they stay. That’s why strong preschool programs don’t just rely on teacher personality. Instead, they give teachers tools that help them succeed.
You can check out Danielle’s full story here.
Up soon—have you considered running your preschool dance classes year round? I’ll be talking about what a difference this can make for your studio and how to make the shift if you’re interested.
Back soon!
Ashley and the Little Dancer Team
