Why teaching preschool dance matters – and how to do it well

Fiona Ramasami, an ISTD teacher for 21 years, shares her top strategies for planning and delivering magical preschool dance classes.

Fiona Ramasami's preschool conga in action

Why teaching preschool dance matters – and how to do it well

Fiona Ramasami, an ISTD teacher for 21 years, shares her top strategies for planning and delivering magical preschool dance classes.

Fiona Ramasami's preschool conga in action

We all know that dance schools rely on a steady stream of preschoolers to build class numbers from the bottom up. Teaching this age group isn’t just a business necessity, it’s a vital skill for freelance employability.

But here’s a deeper perspective:

If dance is the ultimate holistic activity for children, and if ages 0–5 are critical for brain development, then teaching preschool dance is a profound privilege. You’re contributing to every aspect of a child’s growth – right when it matters most.

"Dance classes for preschoolers aren’t just about movement – they help children learn how to learn."

Dance classes for preschoolers aren’t just about movement – they help children learn how to learn. In these early years, a calm, safe space where little ones feel seen and supported is invaluable. Through imaginative themes and structured routines, dance nurtures focus, self-regulation, and confidence. When children concentrate on the story of the class and the movements within it, they’re developing essential cognitive and social skills that will serve them far beyond the studio.

My journey

If you’d told me 21 years ago that I’d end up loving preschool classes most, I would have spat out my tea! I didn’t naturally know what to do with them – or even like them, if I’m honest. I didn’t feel like the magical being I thought I should be. And when they didn’t follow instructions, I dismissed them as “naughty.”

Now? I LOVE teaching little ones.

After failing to bribe them with stickers, shadowing my boss, and refining my planning, I realised: preschoolers want to learn. We just need to set things up in a way that appeals to them and helps them feel safe.

The key: planning + delivery

Your planning and delivery must work hand-in-hand. Reflect on both consistently to create smooth, engaging classes.

Planning: themed classes that flow

Use stories, journeys, or seasonal themes to connect each activity. This transforms your class into a magical experience and keeps children engaged.

Example: a beach adventure

Pack your beach bag: wriggle into swimsuits, squirt suncream – add funny sound effects!
Build sandcastles, decorate with shells, explore patterns through movement.
Dip toes in the water – pretend it’s freezing! Shiver, chatter teeth, shake knees.
A wave washes the castle away… but leaves treasure behind!

It may not look like “dancing,” but with rhythm and music, it becomes a rich blend of movement, mime, and imagination.

Delivery: see through their eyes

Understand preschoolers’ needs – imagination, connection, and routine help them self-regulate and learn.

Manage behaviour proactively: Use strong eye contact at their level.
Establish clear routines: Start and end classes consistently. Repetition comforts them. Try starting and finishing in a circle. Use a teddy or a familiar song to mark transitions. Play a different song each week at the same point in class, such as the start or finish.

Top tips for preschool dance teachers

Plan classes around a theme: Linking each activity in detail so it’s like a story or a journey. This prevents unwanted behaviours by proactively engaging them through their imagination.
Stay organised: Create themed playlists – don’t scroll mid-class!
Define learning goals: Develop a list of positions and steps you would like them to learn and agree this with your dance school, to be clear about what you are expected to cover.
Structure your sessions: Predictability helps children feel safe, so have a structure for the start and end of class, so they know what to expect and feel safe.
Why not join our ISTD CPD Webinar with Fiona on 16 February 2026: Create Magical Early Years Classes. Discover six key ingredients to refresh your planning and inspire your teaching. Secure your spot today!