Not Sure Where to Start? My Most Recommended Resources Ballet Teachers Love

As ballet teachers, we wear a lot of hats.

We're instructors, choreographers, planners, mentors, problem-solvers, and sometimes even costume coordinators. With so many responsibilities competing for our attention, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when planning classes for a new season.

One of the questions I hear most often is:

"Where should I start?"

Whether you're a new ballet teacher building classes for the first time or an experienced instructor looking to save planning time, there are a handful of resources I find myself recommending again and again.

After more than 40 years of teaching ballet, these are the resources I would want within arm's reach if I were starting a new ballet season tomorrow.

Start with a Strong Foundation

A successful ballet season begins with a clear plan and age-appropriate progression.

That's why I often recommend starting with the Level 1 and Level 2 Lesson Plans.

These lesson plans are designed specifically for developing dancers and include complete class structures, combinations, music suggestions, and teacher notes. Rather than spending hours deciding what comes next, teachers can focus on what matters most—teaching.

One of the biggest challenges ballet teachers face is creating classes that are engaging while still building skills progressively. Having a structured plan in place helps ensure students develop strong fundamentals while giving teachers the flexibility to adapt to their individual classes.

When Students Start Asking About Pointe

At some point in nearly every ballet program, students begin asking the same question:

"When can I go on pointe?"

It's an exciting milestone, but it's also one that requires careful preparation.

That's why the Pre-Pointe Program is one of the resources I recommend most often.

The program includes a printable evaluation form, student and parent handouts, strengthening exercises, teacher guidance, and four progressive pre-pointe lesson plans. It was created to help teachers make informed, safety-focused decisions about pointe readiness while giving students the tools they need to prepare successfully.

Going on pointe should never be rushed. A structured pre-pointe program helps teachers confidently guide students through the process while setting realistic expectations for families.

Building Confident Pointe Students

Once students are ready to begin pointe work, the next challenge becomes knowing what to teach in those first classes.

The Beginner Pointe Lesson Plans were designed to bridge that gap.

These lessons build progressively from foundational skills and focus on helping students develop strength, confidence, and proper technique. Each lesson provides ready-to-use combinations that allow teachers to spend less time planning and more time observing, correcting, and encouraging their dancers.

The transition to pointe work can feel intimidating for both students and teachers. Having a clear progression helps create a positive and successful experience for everyone involved.

The Resource Teachers Don't Always Know They Need

One resource that often surprises teachers is the Foot Focus Workshop.

One of the reasons this workshop has remained a favorite throughout my teaching career is that students absolutely love it. While the exercises are designed to improve strength, flexibility, articulation, and overall foot health, students see it as something different and exciting from their regular ballet class routine.

The station-based format helps break up the monotony when classes need a fresh challenge, and I've often used it as a special activity or reward after a period of particularly hard work. Year after year, it was one of the most requested activities in my studio. Students looked forward to it, and teachers appreciated that it was both fun and highly effective.

It's one of my favorite resources because it strengthens important ballet skills while creating an experience students genuinely enjoy.

Final Thoughts

After more than four decades of teaching ballet, I've learned that successful classes aren't built on spending endless hours planning.

They're built on thoughtful preparation, clear progression, and the ability to focus your energy where it matters most—your students.

The right resources won't replace your experience as a teacher. What they can do is give you back valuable time, provide fresh ideas, and help you approach each class with greater confidence.

If you're wondering where to start, these are the resources I recommend most often because they've been created from real classroom experience and designed to support ballet teachers at every stage of the journey.

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✨ Save Time. Teach with Confidence.