How to Fill Morning Preschool Dance Classes (and Attract Working Parents)

A common question I hear from dance studio owners is:
"How do I fill my morning preschool dance classes—especially with so many parents working these days?"

It’s a valid question, and it usually comes with a lot of hesitation and assumptions—like the idea that only stay-at-home parents would be able to attend weekday morning classes. But let’s break this down together, because the truth is, there are plenty of families who can—and will—attend morning Tiny Tots classes if we make them available.

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👉 How to Fill Morning Preschool Dance Classes (and Attract Working Parents)

First: Shift Your Perspective

One of the biggest mindset traps I see studio owners fall into is this:

“Well, everyone I know works during the day. Who has the luxury of staying home?”

But here’s the thing: you are not your customer.

Your personal circle might be full of working parents or dual-income households. But that’s just one slice of your community. Millions of families include stay-at-home parents, caregivers, grandparents, flexible work schedules, and alternative arrangements that do allow for weekday morning activities.

So the first step is to stop projecting your own reality onto your customer base. Your community is way more diverse than you might realize.

Second: You Hold the Prize

Here’s the truth: Dance class is the prize.

You’re not just offering a random activity. You’re offering something that parents actively want for their children—especially parents of preschoolers. They’re looking for enriching experiences, social development, physical activity, and fun. Dance checks all those boxes.

That means you get to set the schedule. If you want to fill your studio space during the mornings, then simply put morning classes on the schedule and promote them. When parents want what you offer, they’ll find a way to make it work.

Third: Consider All the Scenarios

Working parents aren’t a monolith. There are so many different family arrangements that can make weekday morning dance classes possible:

• Parents working opposite shifts.
• Grandparents caring for young children.
• Nannies or babysitters doing drop-off and pickup.
• Parents with flexible or remote work schedules.
• Night-shift workers who are home during the day.
• Part-time working parents.
• Parents who don’t work outside the home.

In fact, many of my own Tiny Tots classes over the years have been filled with children brought by nannies, grandparents, or a second caregiver. Even families where both parents work full-time often have systems in place that allow for daytime activities.

And let’s not forget about the millions of stay-at-home parents—especially moms—who are actively looking for things to do during the day. These parents want to get out of the house and give their little one something fun and structured to do. Morning dance class is perfect for that.

Fourth: It’s the Best Time for Preschoolers Anyway

From a developmental and behavioral standpoint, morning is one of the best times for preschool-aged children to attend class. They’re typically well-rested, focused, and ready to engage.

As we’ll explore in future posts on classroom management and scheduling, you’ll find that classes held earlier in the day tend to run more smoothly for this age group. So not only does it make sense for your studio schedule—it also supports a better class experience for your youngest dancers.

Finally: Offer Saturday Options as a Backup

Of course, there will always be a small percentage of families who truly can’t make weekday mornings work—no grandparents, no nannies, no flexibility, and both parents working 9–5.

That’s why Saturday classes exist. They serve as the catch-all for those families who are still eager to enroll in dance but need that weekend option.

But don’t let this minority dictate your entire schedule.

The Bottom Line

If you want to fill your morning preschool dance classes, put them on your schedule and promote them confidently. There are families in your community who are actively looking for opportunities just like this. Don’t limit your potential by assuming no one can attend.

Open your mind, trust your offer, and remember: you’re providing something people want.

Let them find you.

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