10 Props for Pre-Ballet Class
Are you a dance teacher?
Are you new to teaching Pre-Ballet?
…. I got you!
I’ve gathered a list of props to help you break up your next class, making it fun and exciting for your tiny ballerinas. Below you will find a list with suggested links to similar products that I suggest. There are so many, I may need to do a Part 2!
Enjoy,
Xoxo Miss Haley
Props are an essential part of a pre ballet class. They break up the class into sections, spark imagination and can pull everyone’s focus back in when you're having trouble keeping everyone engaged.
Here are 10 PROPS to have in the studio:
Dots
Dots are beyond useful in a Pre-Ballet Setting. I use them for all sorts of formations….
Warm up lines
Stretch Circle
Practicing Subrasos or bunny hops
Recital spots
Scarfs
Scarfs are great for any type of Freestyle/interpretive dance. Put on a song and have your students improv (personally I like to finish class off like this). Another great option is using the scarfs to add a little spice to you por de bras exercises.
Wands
There are so many uses for wands. My number one rule is no hitting or sword fighting. Otherwise, they are taken away. I think wands are great when you're doing anything across the floor or from the corner. They can use the wands as guidance for whichever direction they are travelling, whether it be jumping up or galloping sideways. I think it's fun to use the wands when practicing Tendus or Pas Deux Chats. I use it as a way to guide where to point your foot or encourage travel when jumping over!
Bean Bags
Tippy toe walks are such a staple in all my pre-ballet classes. I like to try and keep things interesting and by adding a beanbag, I can do just that! Next time your students are practicing their tippy toe walks, have them lace a beanbag on their head. This will keep things fun and exciting and make your students giggle.
Musical Instruments
Discovering music and different rhythms is an essential part of learning to dance with musicality in any Ballet class. Having musical instruments in class not only breaks it up, but gives students the opportunity to find the beat, practice listening and repeat rhythms back. For example, I like to hit a drum with a fun rhythm and have the students dance to that beat and then I change it up or have one of them come up with a new beat. This is how I teach Waltz or a Polka rhythm. Drums, Maracas, Tambourines are all great options.
Bag of Fun
This is my favorite item on the list, but it isn’t brought out regularly. Miss Haley’s Bag of Fun is only used for special occasions when I need a little more power than just stickers. What is it you may ask! Grab a bag & start collecting random prizes such as; stickers, ring pops, tattoos, wands, magnets, headbands, bubbles, stamps, scrunchies, hair bows, stress balls, pencils, suckers, key chains, granola bars, sensory toys, you name it! Then you have your very own bag of fun. When a student answers a terminology question correctly or demonstrates a step properly, they close their eyes and reach into the bag! The last class before the recital or break, I let every student get a chance to pick something out of the bag!
Coloring Pages
Coloring in ballet class…aren’t they there to dance?! Okay hear me out, coloring pages can be a great way for the students to learn their arm and feet positions. Don’t have them coloring every class, but pulling out some crayons and a coloring sheet once a month can be really helpful when learning their positions. Hanging them up in the studio for reminders can also be fun and act as a reminder as well!
Books
No one ever believes me that books out of all things are my secret weapon! They make for a great environment for kids that get dropped off early, by giving them some entertainment while I’m still getting ready. I also will use a book if I feel students are a bit hyper and unfocused. Usually reading a book helps them calm down and focus for the rest of the class. I prefer to use a short and sweet book that relates to dance such as Giraffes Can’t Dance, The Ballet Book, Fancy Nancy: Budding Ballerina or Ballet Bunnies #5: The Big Audition, or Dance Stance! Another great way to incorporate books into class is to use it as a negotiation technique. For example, I told my class I will bring in the story of Encanto to read to them once everyone remembers their opening spots of their dance, without my help. After 2 weeks, those spots were learned and they were rewarded.
Bluetooth Speaker
Whether your studio has a stereo system or a bluetooth speaker or their own, I always recommend having your own that you can count on. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to delay class due to stereo malfunctions, issues connecting with the bluetooth or a missing speaker. This makes you rest easy, plus if you choose to start teaching at birthday parties, you’ll have your own equipment ready to go and not have to borrow! If you are strictly using it in a small ballet studio, I recommend the JBL Flip. If you see yourself bringing it to larger studios or events, I recommend the JBL BoomBox. I use both and love them.
Stickers
Because who doesn’t love a sticker? Seriously, stickers are currency in my pre ballet classes. Dangle a sticker to your students and you’ll have them stretching their knees and pointing their toes like never before, if they know they will get a sticker! I always end class with stickers (if warranted). However, stickers are also great when teaching students how to tendu their right foot from their left. Extra points for coordinating the stickers to the time of year, holiday or theme of dance! For example, this year my Pre-Ballet recital dance is doing a piece to an orchestration of Beauty and The Beast, so I got these!
New blog post coming soon….
Miss Haley takes you through her personal bag of fun. We can’t wait to share all her favorites and help you fill your very own “bag of fun”.
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