Five Must-Have Class Systems

Maximizing Our Class Time

I’m constantly seeking ways to enhance the flow and efficiency of my classes. With limited time with my students each week, I strive to maximize our class time together. Whenever I identify a sticking point, I implement strategies to either prevent those obstacles or improve efficiency. Here are five essential systems I’ve implemented over the years that have transformed my teaching experience.

1. Class Welcome Rituals

I love creating welcome rituals for all my classes, but I find them especially crucial for my youngest students. A minute or two before class, I step into the lobby to greet my dance families. I bring along a visual from the lesson plan or a prop we’ll be using to kick off the class.

First, I engage with the grown-ups, demonstrating to the dancers that I’m a trusted adult who values their relationship with their families. Then, I lower myself to the dancers’ level. By this time, some little ones have gathered around me, and I greet them with a warm smile and energy that matches theirs. If they’re quiet and reserved, I reflect that calm; if they’re excited, I share in their enthusiasm. This interaction gives me insight into their feelings about class—whether they’re ready to dive in or need an extra moment with their grown-ups.

This ritual not only eases the transition away from their parents but also sets the tone for what to expect in class through the visual or prop I bring with me. Since implementing this system, the process of starting class has become much smoother, allowing us to jump right into movement and fun as soon as we enter the studio.

2. Silent Tracks

Incorporating silent tracks into my playlists has significantly improved the flow of my classes. By avoiding the rush to pause the music before the next activity song plays, I can stay focused on my dancers and guide them smoothly through the transition to the next activity.

When creating my lesson plans, I always identify moments that require a transition—whether it’s getting out a prop, collecting one, or lining up for the obstacle course. I consider how long each transition might take, then head over to Spotify to find a suitable silent track. With a variety of lengths available, I select the one that best fits my needs and add it to my playlist. Even if the transition takes less time than the silent track, it still serves as a clear signal that it’s time to shift gears. This system has greatly improved our transitions, making them much more seamless and efficient.

3. Class Stations

During the initial weeks of each new dance season, I focus on observing my students' behaviors. I pay attention to how they enter the room, store their belongings, and engage in class activities. When I notice that a part of the class isn’t flowing as smoothly as it could, I brainstorm ways to make it more productive and efficient. One strategy that has made a significant difference is the implementation of class stations.

First, we have our hydration station. Dancers take their water bottles out of their bags and place them along a designated wall. This simple change eliminates the need for them to dig through their bags during water breaks, which has previously caused unnecessary disruptions and wasted class time.

Next is our learning station, where I prepare our class objective visuals for the day. When I prompt my students to visit the learning station to review or learn a new skill, they know exactly where to go, keeping everyone on track.

Finally, there’s our waiting station—a taped train track on the dance floor. Whether we’re lining up for the obstacle course, preparing for our goodbye train, or simply need a space for students to sit out of the way while we clean up an accident (if you know, you know), this station is always ready for them.

These class stations have transformed our routine, creating a more organized and efficient environment for learning.

4. Lesson Plan Frameworks

When it comes to simplifying lesson planning, lesson plan frameworks have been a game-changer. I carefully created each framework based on what I’ve learned about child development and dance education over the years. When it’s time to plan a lesson, I can easily add the relevant activities into each section of the framework, streamlining the entire process.

By maintaining consistency in my frameworks throughout the stages of development I teach, I create a structured environment that fosters routine and builds confidence in my students as they progress through the stages.

5. Weekly Wrap-Ups

After teaching for the night, I open my voice memos app on my phone and record a recap of the night's classes. I list what we did in each class, how we navigated any challenges, and my plans for the following week. With so much going on between my teaching nights, it's easy to lose track of the details. These audio recordings have become invaluable for staying organized. Each week, I listen to the previous recordings before heading into class, which helps refresh my memory and guides my lesson planning.

A Community That Supports Your Growth

Maximizing class time is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to running a successful dance studio. If you’re looking for more expert strategies, innovative teaching techniques, and a supportive community of educators, consider attending the DanceLife Teacher Conference. This event is designed to help studio owners and teachers refine their skills, build efficiency, and bring more joy to their teaching. Learn, connect, and grow with educators who share your passion!