What Dance Skills Should Preschoolers Learn in Dance Class?

If you're planning or refining a preschool dance program at your studio, one of the most important questions you'll need to answer is:

“What skills should our tiny tots be learning?”

Should the focus be different for different age groups? And how do you know you’re setting students up for long-term success?

Let’s walk through a smart and simple way to approach curriculum planning for your preschoolers by beginning with the end in mind.

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👉 What Dance Skills Should Preschoolers Learn in Dance Class?

Start With the Big Picture

When designing any curriculum—whether it’s for teens or tiny tots—I like to ask myself:
What do I want students to know, feel, or be able to do when they complete this level?

For example, in a teen program (ages 13–18), I envision the ideal outcome by the time a dancer graduates. I apply that same thinking in reverse all the way down to my youngest students.

So when it comes to preschoolers, ask yourself:

• What comes next after your preschool program?

• What skills do students need to be ready for your 6–8 year old classes?

• And how can you introduce those concepts in a fun, age-appropriate way during the tiny tot years?

Defining Your Tiny Tot Program

Every studio defines this age group differently. For me, “Tiny Tots” typically includes ages 3–5, though some programs also include 6–7 year olds in a modified version.

The specific genres you offer will also shape the skills you focus on.

• If you run a ballet-focused studio, you’ll want strong ballet foundations.

• If your classes include tap and ballet, then your skill list will reflect both.

The key is to determine what skills your students need to confidently transition into your next level and make sure you introduce those—at the right level—in your preschool program.

A Sample Skill Progression

In my Princess Ballerinas® curriculum, I focus on:

1. Terminology

Preschoolers can absolutely start learning correct dance vocabulary! For example:

• Plié, tendu, passé, etc.
  Keep it fun, but accurate—they’ll retain more than you think!

2. Age-Appropriate Technique

Of course, we're not expecting perfection. But we can build strong foundations by helping students:

• Maintain good posture.

• Align their knees properly in pliés.

• Point their toes in tendus.

• Move with control and balance.

3. Classroom Structure & Etiquette

Introduce students to the natural rhythm of class:

• Warm-up

• Across-the-floor

• Center work

• Free movement or improvisation

• Group choreography

Even if the exercises are simple, this structure helps them build confidence and classroom readiness.

4. Group Skills

Tiny dancers should get comfortable with:

• Dancing in formation (even simple lines or windows).

• Practicing choreography.

• Learning to start and stop together.

• Moving across the floor in groups.

5. Creative Movement & Expression

While technique is important, preschoolers also need time for:

• Imaginative play

• Story-based movement

• Emotional expression through dance

This is where they fall in love with dance—and where you build the foundation for lifelong students.

Your Next Step: Plan with Confidence

It’s not about over-complicating things or mapping out every detail from ages 3–18. It’s about understanding your student journey and designing your preschool program with intention.

When you begin with the end in mind, you’ll naturally create a preschool experience that flows seamlessly into your next age group—and keeps families coming back year after year.

Want a fun, ready-to-use example?

🎉 Grab my free Bake Shop Lesson Plan — a themed preschool dance class you can use to delight your Tiny Tots while introducing core skills and structure.

👉 Download the Bake Shop Lesson Plan now