3 Smart Ways to Start Planning for Fall Ballet Classes
Get ahead of the back-to-school chaos. Your future self will thank you!
Summer might still be in full swing, but smart ballet teachers know that July is the perfect time to start planning for fall ballet classes. Even a little early prep can go a long way toward reducing stress when things get busy again in August and September.
Whether you're teaching little ones in creative movement or teens a variation, these simple strategies will help you feel confident and prepared when the new season starts.
1. Reflect on Last Year’s Wins (and Flops)
Before you start designing new lesson plans, take a few minutes to look back at what really worked last year — and what didn’t.
Ask yourself:
Which combos had your students totally engaged?
Were there weeks you felt rushed or underprepared?
What part of your curriculum and plans did you like?
Even a 15-minute brain dump in a notebook, a quick recorded voice message on your phone or your favorite notes app can reveal golden insights for your fall ballet class planning strategy. And if you taught summer intensives, you might already have new material fresh in your mind to carry over!
Pro tip: Jot down ideas - goals to work toward, themes - if you like to work that way, music ideas, equipment needs (Therabands, BOSU ball, yoga balls, etc.), or props you want to try this year. That way, you won’t forget them when the back-to-school hustle hits.
2. Sketch Out a Seasonal Framework
You don’t need a detailed lesson plan for every week (yet), but creating a monthly or seasonal ballet lesson framework gives you a strong starting point. Break the semester into chunks, like:
September: Evaluate technique, establish class time routines, and review class etiquette.
October: Strengthen core, introduce a new step, and/or start everything on the left this month.
November: Focus on transitions, musicality and performance quality
December: Holiday choreography and reflection
This kind of structure makes it easier to incorporate lesson content as you go. And if you use ready-made ballet lesson plan templates, you can adapt them to fit your goals for each month.
Search-friendly tip: Use keywords like “monthly ballet lesson plan ideas,” “ballet curriculum template,” or “how to plan a ballet semester” to explore pre-built resources and inspiration.
3. Prep Your ‘Must-Haves’ in Advance
August is notorious for being the busiest month in a dance teacher’s life — new schedules, registrations, emails, new students’ apprehension, returning students’ excitement (which you want to be fully present for), and oh yes, actual lesson planning.
Gather what you know helps you feel confident, prepared and less stressed:
Roll sheets (even if they change, print often, and don’t be afraid to jot down student notes)
Your favorite playlists and music selections (it may not be a good time to get familiar with new music, your students may find comfort in that plie music from ‘last year’. Then ‘audition’ new music within the year)
Equipment and class supplies (bands, balls, vocabulary words, and any books to share with your students)
Copies of your first 2–3 lesson plans
If you use downloadable ballet lesson plans (hint: we’ve got plenty at BalletLessonPlans.com), organize them in folders or on your device by levels. You can even save music playlists for each lesson plan to save time in class from searching for the perfect fondu music. You’ll be amazed how much time you’ll save once class starts.
Pro tip: Have a digital and printed version of your plans — tech issues always strike when you least expect them.
Final Thought: A Little Planning = A Lot Less Stress
Starting early doesn’t mean doing everything in July. It just means you’re laying the foundation for a more joyful, confident, and smooth fall season.
So grab your iced coffee, carve out a quiet hour, and take that first step. Your future self — and your students — will thank you.
Pro tip: Grab our free lesson plan template to help you spend less time planning and more time in the studio!
