Dance Plan Depot Blog

Rehearsal season means one thing: running the same dance again… and again… and again. While repetition is essential for clean spacing, confident dancers, and polished performances, it can also lead to boredom and low energy in class. When students feel like they’re doing the exact same thing over and over, focus starts to fade — and that’s where Magic Modifier Cards  come in. What Are Magic Modifier Cards? Our Magic Modifier Cards  are a set of 30 playful, purposeful rehearsa

The beginning of ballet class sets the tone for everything that follows. When dancers come in excited, chatty, and full of energy (especially at the start of a new year or new session), it’s easy for those first few minutes to spiral into chaos. That’s exactly why having clear, consistent class rules in place can be such a game changer. To help ballet teachers start class with confidence and calm, I created a free Ballet Class Rules poster  that’s simple, positive, and easy f

If your dancers have ever struggled with rolling through their spine or understanding what “sequential articulation”  actually means, you're going to love this week’s freebie. We put together a set of six printable spinal articulation visualization posters—each one designed to give dancers a super clear, kid-friendly mental image they can actually  feel in their bodies. These posters are perfect for hanging near your barre, keeping in your across-the-floor rotation, or using

If you’ve ever wished for a quick, easy, and meaningful way to celebrate your dancers while keeping parents in the loop, our Happy Dance Mail  printable might become your new favorite classroom tool. It’s simple, adorable, and designed to brighten everyone’s day—from your tiniest ballerinas to your most dedicated older dancers. Happy Dance Mail is a one-page printable filled with ready-to-check praise statements and a space for a personalized note. It’s perfect for those mome

We are so grateful to have you as part of the Dance Plan Depot Community. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your students, friends, and family. As our gift to you this season we would love for you to download our coupon code for $8.00 off of any purchase from our shop. That in one free lesson plan! We hope to gift you a little more time and a little less prep work in the new year! Happy Holidays Dancing Friend! -Whitney

Looking for a simple, cheerful way to boost behavior, focus, and effort in your dance classes this December? Say hello to the Deck the Dance Tree —a free, printable classroom management game that turns good dancing and positive behavior into a fun holiday challenge your dancers will love . This activity works beautifully with preschool dancers all the way through early elementary, and it adds just the right amount of seasonal magic to keep your classes motivated during a busy

If you’re anything like me, you love having quick, clear visuals in the studio—especially for those core ballet concepts we repeat every single week . That’s why I created a free 8.5"x11" classroom poster called “Key Reminders for Tendu.”  It’s bright, simple, and designed to make your life as a dance teacher just a little easier. Tendu is one of those foundational skills we constantly circle back to, no matter the level. But let’s be real—young dancers (and sometimes older o

Have you ever looked at a painting and felt  it moving? Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night  is one of those magical works that seems to dance on its own—the swirling sky, glowing stars, and deep blue tones almost vibrate with motion and feeling. This makes it the perfect inspiration for a dance lesson that brings art and movement together! In this lesson, dancers explore how to create, perform, respond, and connect—using the National Core Arts Standards as our guide. It’s an ima

If you’re looking for a cozy, story-filled dance lesson to use in November, this one’s a perfect fit! Inspired by Grandma Moses’ charming painting Over the River to Grandmother’s House on Thanksgiving Day,  this activity blends art, storytelling, and movement to help your dancers explore the magic of travel, family, and tradition through dance. This lesson touches on all four national dance standards— Create, Perform, Respond, and Connect —and works beautifully for elementary

Every dance teacher knows how valuable it is to have ready-to-use resources that support positive messages in the classroom. This week, we are excited to share three free printable coloring pages designed especially for the NHSDA's "Love Your Body Week." These pages are a simple way to save time on lesson prep while encouraging body positivity among dancers. Why Celebrate Love Your Body Week in Dance Class Dance is a powerful form of self-expression, but it can also bring ch

Next week is NHSDA’s Love Your Body Week , and it’s the perfect time to help your dancers pause, reflect, and celebrate everything their amazing bodies can do! This week isn’t about perfect lines, high legs, or flawless turns — it’s about gratitude, self-acceptance, and body kindness . To make it easy to bring those ideas into your classroom, we’ve created a free printable reflection worksheet  to pair with the beautiful book Every Body  by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, & Teq

Are you a dance teacher eager to ignite your students' passion for ballet? You’re in luck! We are thrilled to present our free Rond de Jambe Visual Aids . These aids will not only help you teach this foundational ballet movement but also infuse vibrancy and creativity into your dance studio. Engaging visuals can make all the difference in your classroom atmosphere and learning environment. What is Rond de Jambe? Let’s break down the term Rond de Jambe , which means "circle of

Are you a dance teacher seeking an effective and fun way to enhance classroom management? You're in the right place! Today, we’re thrilled to share our free dance class sticker chart printables. These charts not only aid in classroom management but also focus on positive reinforcement, making your teaching experience smoother and more enjoyable. With seven unique designs to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your dance classroom. Let’s explore how these stic

Are you a dance teacher searching for an enjoyable way to engage your students? You’re in the right place! We are excited to offer our free ballet word scramble worksheet, crafted specifically for dance educators. This tool not only helps you save valuable time in lesson preparation, but also enables your students to become more comfortable with key ballet terminology. Why Use a Word Scramble Worksheet? Incorporating a word scramble worksheet into your dance classes can trans

Looking for a creative and meaningful way to blend visual art and dance? This lesson inspired by Jackson Pollock’s 1952 painting Convergence  is a fun, high-energy way to help your dancers create, perform, respond, and connect —while exploring big movement ideas like pathways, levels, and group collaboration. Pollock’s famous painting is a swirl of energy—splashes, drips, and bold colors colliding on the canvas. It’s the perfect springboard for improvisation and choreography.

As dance teachers, having the right tools can make a huge difference in your classes. Whether you are working with eager beginners or...

Looking for a fresh, creative way to kick off your dance class? Say hello to our Global Landmark Warm-Up  — a fun, movement-based trip...

Looking for a simple, effective way to motivate your dancers and keep them on task? We’ve got you covered! Our brand-new printable dance...

In dance education, creativity plays a vital role alongside technique. Imagine your students not just mastering steps but also composing...

Looking for a fresh, meaningful way to connect your dance students to art, history, and storytelling? One of my favorite ways to do this...