A Day in the Life of a Dance Unlimited Instructor

Author: Olivia Webb

People often think dance teachers just show up, turn on the music, and let the magic happen. The truth? At Dance Unlimited in Tiffin, OH, every class takes careful planning, creativity, and, if I am being honest, plenty of coffee. As instructors, we’re not just teachers; we’re people too. We are balancing full-time jobs, graduate school, and family life while making sure every student takes a step in the right direction.

So, what does that look like behind the scenes? Here’s a peek into a day in my life as an instructor at Dance Unlimited.

Planning Ahead

When I’m not in the studio, I’m constantly preparing for what’s next. Each year and month comes with its own goals, and I love building a roadmap that helps our dancers grow little by little.

• Researching & Refreshing
  I dig into age-appropriate dance research and classroom management tools to make sure my classes stay engaging and effective.

• Learning From the Best
  I consult experienced instructors and advanced-level teachers about what skills students need to be prepared for as they move up.

• Mapping Out the Year
  My lesson plans are broken down month by month, each focusing on a specific skill set or theme to keep dancers challenged and inspired.

Building Skills Month by Month

At Dance Unlimited, every month has a focus designed to help dancers grow in strength, creativity, and technique. Here’s a peek at how I design a season:

• Modern/Contemporary, Month 1: Learning to breathe through movement and find freedom in expression. Month 2: Building strength to jump higher and land safely, while developing strong muscles.

• Ballet 2: Mixing technique with creative play by asking, “How would an elephant dance across the floor?” or using props like ribbons and stuffed animals to balance technical drills with fun, imaginative movement.

This balance of structure and creativity is what makes Dance Unlimited unique. We’re not focused on auditions or competitions; we’re focused on creating confident, well-rounded dancers who enjoy the process.

Who We Are Beyond the Studio

Here’s the truth: we’re human too. When I walk into the studio, you might see me carrying a coffee in one hand, a snack in the other, and three bags. Outside of teaching, I balance a full-time job that involves travel, a couple of side hustles, and graduate school. No matter how busy the day, once the music starts and the kids come bouncing through the door, the energy shifts. Suddenly, the to-do lists and travel bags fade into the background, and I’m right there with the students, sharing in their joy, creativity, and growth.

At Dance Unlimited, teaching dance is about guiding each dancer forward, one step at a time. When I see a student light up after mastering a move or when a class giggles their way through a creative exercise, I’m reminded why this work is so meaningful. We’re passionate people, juggling life and pouring our energy into making dance fun, challenging, and rewarding. And that’s exactly why our studio motto is more than just words; we believe every class is truly A Step in the Right Direction.

Ready to Join Us?

That’s a day in my life as an instructor at Dance Unlimited in Tiffin, OH. Every lesson is carefully planned, fueled by creativity (and caffeine), and rooted in the belief that dance should be fun, inclusive, and inspiring.

Want to see it for yourself? Check out our class schedule and join us at Dance Unlimited. We’d love to welcome you into the DU family!