29/05/2026
THE ROLE OF A DANCE TEACHER
Must be able to count to eight in ways that do not appear to follow the laws of mathematics.
Must know that “from the top” does not always mean from the top, and “one more time” has never actually meant one more time.
Must be able to teach technique, inspire confidence, tie shoes, fix ponytails, remember birthdays, locate missing water bottles, and answer questions that have nothing to do with dance.
Must understand that a five-year-old may need a bathroom break the second class begins, a twelve-year-old may need encouragement more than correction, and a teenager may need someone to believe in them before they believe in themselves.
Must be able to say, “That was better,” while knowing it is going to take at least fourteen more times.
Must celebrate the child who nails the turn and the child who finally walks into class without holding onto their parent’s leg.
Must have patience, energy, creativity, kindness, high standards, a sense of humor, and the ability to keep going even when the Bluetooth speaker has decided not to.
Payoff includes hugs, handwritten notes, inside jokes, proud parents, tired feet, lifelong memories, and the occasional moment when a child looks at you and says, “I want to be a dance teacher just like you.”
It is not an easy job.
It is one of the best jobs in the world.
To every dance teacher showing up for children week after week, we are doing more than teaching dance.
We are becoming part of who they grow up to be. Have an awesome day and enjoy the journey🫶 💕
