A strong dance lesson plan is more than a list of exercises—it’s a roadmap for skill development, consistency, and class flow. Without a plan, classes can feel rushed, repetitive, or unfocused. With one, dancers progress with clarity and purpose. This guide breaks down each component of a dance-specific lesson plan and explains how to use it intentionally across styles and levels.
1. Define the Objective Before You Plan
Every class should answer one question: What do I want dancers to improve today?
Examples:
Weight transfer in turns
Articulation of the feet in allegro
Grounding and texture in contemporary
Clarity of arms in jazz
Your objective should be specific and achievable in one class. Everything that follows—warm-up, exercises, and choreography—should support that goal.
2. Warm-Up: Prepare the Body for the Work Ahead
A dance warm-up should:
Increase blood flow
Mobilize joints
Activate key muscle groups
Introduce movement patterns used later in class
Effective warm-up components:
Spinal articulation (roll-downs, curves, spirals)
Core activation (controlled balances, slow transfers)
Foot and ankle articulation (tendus, brushes, doming)
Gentle dynamic stretches (never passive holds)
Tip: Design your warm-up to preview the technical focus of the day. If turns are coming later, include balance work early.
3. Technique Section: Build Skill Progressively
This is where intentional planning matters most.
Key principles:
Simple to complex
Slow to fast
Supported to unsupported
For example:
Start with stationary work (pliés, rises, balances)
Progress to traveling exercises
Then add direction changes, arms, or tempo
Avoid adding complexity too quickly. Dancers learn best when one variable changes at a time.
Correction focus:
Choose 1–2 technical priorities to reinforce throughout this section. Repeating corrections across exercises helps dancers actually apply them.
4. Across-the-Floor or Skill Application
This section connects technique to movement.
Use across-the-floor to:
Apply technical concepts in motion
Build coordination and spatial awareness
Develop performance quality
Examples:
Turns with emphasis on spotting and weight placement
Leaps focused on takeoff mechanics
Traveling phrases emphasizing dynamic contrast
Teaching tip: Give one clear correction before dancers go, and one after. Too many notes disrupt flow and retention.
5. Choreography or Phrase Work
Choreography isn’t just about learning steps—it’s where technique, musicality, and artistry meet.
Plan choreography that:
Reinforces the class objective
Matches the dancers’ technical level
Allows time for cleaning and questions
Break phrases into sections and layer:
Steps
Timing and rhythm
Dynamics and intention
Introduce improvisation and composition
Avoid rushing through material. Fewer steps taught well are more valuable than more steps taught quickly.
6. Cool-Down: Close the Class Intentionally
The cool-down helps:
Reduce muscle tension
Regulate breathing
Transition dancers out of class safely
Include:
Gentle stretching for worked muscle groups
Breath-focused movement
Brief reflection or reinforcement of the day’s focus
This is also an effective time to remind dancers what to practice at home.
7. Reflection: Plan for Progress, Not Perfection
After class, take a moment to reflect:
Did dancers meet the objective?
Where did they struggle?
What needs reinforcement next class?
Lesson planning improves when teachers view classes as part of a sequence, not isolated events.
A detailed dance lesson plan creates clarity, confidence, and consistency—for both teachers and dancers. When each section of class serves a purpose, progress becomes measurable and meaningful. Planning doesn’t limit creativity; it gives creativity direction. With intention and structure, every class becomes an opportunity for growth.
See you in the dance studio,
Jess
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