Preschool Classroom Success: Seven Skills to Develop in Dance Class

The Importance of Foundational Skills

In our preschool dance classes, developing foundational skills is key to our dancers’ success. By providing a supportive environment, with a developmentally appropriate curriculum, we can build these essential skills that improve their overall development. Each skill plays a critical role in helping children grow stronger, more confident, and more capable in both dance and life. 

Today, I’m sharing seven skills that set the foundation for early childhood class success, how they foster development, and practical activities to include in your lesson plans.

Focus and Concentration

Skill: Focus and Concentration
Young children often struggle with focus due to their underdeveloped brains. The general rule is that a preschooler can focus on teacher-directed activities for 5-6 minutes. We can improve focus and concentration by keeping our class moving at a quick pace.

Activities:  

• Alternate Teacher-Directed Activities with Student-Centered Activities
• Incorporate Breathing Exercises
• Keep them Moving! 

Body Awareness

Skill: Body Awareness
Body awareness is understanding and controlling one's body in space. It begins with identifying body parts and progresses to moving and controlling them. 

Activities: 

• Body Part Identification Songs
• Target Practice by Jumping Over a Prop
• Target Practice by Landing on Spots or in Hoops

Balance

Skill: Balance
Balance requires healthy vision, a developed vestibular system (responsible for head position awareness), and proprioception (awareness of body movement). In order to improve our balance, we must challenge our balance in every class!

Activities: 

• Spinning
• Rolling
• Swinging
• Going Upside Down
• Walking on Uneven Surfaces

Coordination

Skill: Coordination
Coordination is the ability to use opposite quadrants of the body together, seamlessly and smoothly. 

Activities: 

• Toss and Catch (Bean Bags or Scarves)
• Animal Walks
• Movement that Crosses the Midline

Self-Regulation

Skill: Self-Regulation
Self-regulation is the ability for our students to manage their own emotions and behaviors without us intervening and reminding them how to behave. 

Activities: 

• Freeze Dance
• Play Simon Says While Developing Dance Skills
• Incorporate Activities that Emphasize Slow and Fast Tempos

Strength

Skill: Strength
Building strength is essential for young children to develop. Strong bodies improve posture, energy levels, and confidence that fosters a love for physical activity.

Activities: 

• Gross Motor Movements
• Animal Walks
• Building and Cleaning Up Obstacle Courses (Heavy Work)

Spatial Awareness

Skill: Spatial Awareness
Spatial awareness is knowing where you are in space and in relation to others. It helps with problem-solving and navigating obstacles (props and people).

Activities: 

• Incorporate Obstacle Courses
• Dance Through General Space
• Explore the Concept of Relationships

Laying the Foundation for Success

Incorporating these seven foundational skills into your early childhood dance classes supports the natural development of children while also laying the groundwork for their dance training. As you create your dance class lesson plans, remember that every movement and activity you present is an opportunity for growth, with each small step leading to big leaps in their overall development.

A Community for Dance Educators

Want more support in refining your preschool dance program? The DanceLife Teacher Conference provides expert-led sessions and a collaborative community to help studio owners and teachers thrive. Join us for hands-on learning and innovative teaching strategies designed to elevate your classes!