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Welcome to the March 16, 2026 issue of The Navigator. This is your weekly 3-minute studio update.
SEASON KICK-OFF TIPS
At the start of each new season, we share the following information to help everyone get the most out of their experience.
Whether you’re brand new or you’ve been around the block a few times, please review this information so that we’re all starting the season on the same foot.
Noticeably Nervous Or Extremely Exuberant?
Sometimes new Dewdrop dancers may appear to do very little “right” at first. They may just want to watch, appear timid, ask to be carried, want to run around, or be extremely fascinated by the mirror or the props – it’s all normal.
These kiddos are still learning, even if they are not fully participating yet. They are watching, listening, and absorbing the music, instructions, and movement. In time, they will participate more and more.
Hesitant and excitable behavior at the start of a new class is extremely common. Toddlers are exploring new adventures at every turn, and following instructions is not their strongest skill yet. As a parent, please be assured that you do not need to be embarrassed by your child’s lack of “proper classroom behavior.”
In the case of children who want to run, the adults can team up to gently direct any wayward dancers back to their grown up. It can be challenging for one parent to chase down a runaway, but as a group, it’s pretty easy to kindly encourage children back toward their caregiver.
Top Tips For Grown-ups
Participate | Grown-ups set a good example by fully participating in class themselves.
Once gathering time is over and the instructional portion of class has begun, it is especially important that phones are switched off, talking to other adults is kept to a minimum, and the focus is on participating in each activity.
Praise | When the grown-ups praise children for any level of participation, over time, shy children, those who resist following directions, and those who seem oblivious all fall in step with the class routine.
From simple words of affirmation for your own child to applauding all children as they complete an independent activity, praise reinforces positive classroom behavior.
Reset | If your child becomes extremely upset or is having a very hard time cooperating, it can be helpful to take him or her to the hallway.
A minute or so of one-on-one time, free from the distractions of the classroom, can provide a helpful reset for your child and allow the class to continue for others.
Relax | Most importantly, try not to stress if it seems like your child isn't doing it "right."
One of our objectives in a toddler class is to introduce children to the concept of taking a class. Encourage your child and have fun together! These are memories you will treasure for the rest of your days.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS | Gathering Time & Class Time
“Gathering Time” happens during the first few minutes of class. Its purpose is threefold:
- Students will have a chance to free play and “get the wiggles out” before the instructional portion of class begins.
- Gathering time introduces the class theme and provides multiple learning modalities for student exploration.
- An opportunity for adults to take those precious “first dance class” photos and get to know the other grown-ups in class.
Gathering Time
- Before class, stash all of your belongings, including snacks, drinks, bags, outerwear, and street shoes in a cubby in the hallway.
- When it’s time for class to begin, head on into your classroom to discover what’s in store for the day.
- Let your child choose a spot in the circle to call “home” for the day.
- Kids (and grown-ups!) will delight in playing freely with several Montessori-style toys, books, and puzzles related to the day’s theme.
- Adults may play along, take photos, or chat with the other grownups while keeping an eye on things.
- When it’s time for organized activities to begin, everyone will help clean up. Please keep your phones put away and refrain from adult conversation for the remainder of class.
Class Time
After Gathering Time, the teacher will lead the children and grown-ups through a series of adventures around a central theme. Themes include seasons, familiar locations such as the park, and potentially unfamiliar locations, like outer space.
Everyone participates in simple movement activities with the day’s theme woven around them. Activities include fine and gross motor skills courtesy of simplified ballet steps, marching, rhythm play, obstacle courses, and other toddler-friendly exercises.
Every activity is designed to instill dance concepts and early learning skills such as listening, following directions, taking turns, pre-reading and math skills, and much more.
Every week, I’ll provide a little insight into a specific learning objective from class here in the THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS section of The Navigator.
BON VOYAGE!
You can always view your class times and dates by logging into your account at www.puredanceworks.com and clicking on the “enrollments” tab.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the Spring Season and can’t wait to see you and your Dewdrop Dancer cutting a rug in class this week!
All my best,
Tiina
Tiina Hazelett, CEO
Chief Enchantment Officer, Pure Dance Works
Pure | Positive | Progressive
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