Why Visuals Make Teaching Dance Positions So Much Easier

Let’s talk about basic dance positions for a minute. 👀

Because if we’re being honest… they feel so second nature to us that it’s easy to forget many of our students are seeing them for the very first time.

I know for me, it’s incredibly helpful to have visual reminders of the basic dance positions displayed in the studio—especially near the mirror. When students can quickly glance up and see what first, second, or fifth position actually looks like, everything runs more smoothly. Suddenly, when I say, “Okay dancers, let’s begin in fifth position,” the class can respond faster, with more confidence, and way fewer puzzled faces.

That’s why I’m sharing a basic dance positions printable you can use right away in your classroom. Having these visuals posted helps level the playing field for your dancers. Everyone has access to the same information, and students start taking more ownership over their learning—which is always a win.

These printables are also super fun to use creatively. One of my favorite ideas? Turn them into stations around the room. Teach a simple plié combination in first position, then have dancers travel around the space, trying the same combo in each position as they move from poster to poster. It’s an easy way to reinforce positions, keep students engaged, and add variety to a familiar exercise.

Basic dance positions are one of the most important building blocks we use as dance teachers. When students really understand them, everything else becomes easier—from combinations to corrections to classroom flow. This printable helps keep that foundation front and center, without adding more to your prep plate.

👉 Grab the basic dance positions printable below and start using it in your very next class.Print it, post it, laminate it, or turn it into stations—however you use it, it’s designed to save you time and support your dancers.

Hope this helps cut down your prep time and up-level your creativity in the studio!

Keep dancing,Whitney 💛