Teaching dance is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with surprises many of which I never could have predicted before stepping into the studio. Kids have a way of keeping you on your toes (literally and figuratively), and over the years, I’ve learned that there are certain things I never expected to say or experience until I became a dance teacher. Here are just a few of them:
1. “Don’t lick the mirrors”
You’d think this wouldn’t need to be said. But without fail, if you teach little ones, there will always be at least one who presses their lips (or tongue) to the mirror. Maybe they want to see their reflection up close. Maybe they just want to know what a mirror tastes like. Either way, I now say no licking the mirrors as often as I say point your feet.
2. “Miss Cari, I didn’t know you wore clothes!”
One day, I was walking through the mall, minding my own business, when I heard a little voice yell across the store, “Miss Cari! I didn’t know you wore clothes!” To a 3-year-old, if they only ever see me in dance attire, it’s possible they believe I don’t own anything else. In their world, I exist only inside the studio, wearing the same leggings and tank top every day. The idea that I might go grocery shopping in jeans? Mind-blowing.
3. Kids share everything.
Parents and guardians, take note: if you say something in front of your child, there’s a good chance I’m going to hear about it in class. I promise I don’t want to know what happened after dinner last night, what was said in the car ride over, or what Uncle Steve did that made everyone mad at Thanksgiving. Kids are like tiny, chatty recorders, and they have no filter when it comes to storytelling.
4. “ Student, take the balloons out of your pants and stop twerking!!”
I wish this was a made-up sentence. It is not. The combination of a dance studio, children, and balloons is a recipe for chaos. One minute, we’re practicing our recital routine, and the next, someone has shoved balloons into their pants and is twerking like it’s a full-blown party. It’s both hilarious and horrifying at the same time.
5. No, this isn’t just a hobby
One time, a dance parent asked me what I did for work besides running a studio, traveling every weekend to teach, and judging competitions because, apparently, they thought this was just some fun little side gig. I had to resist the urge to laugh (or cry). Running a dance studio is a full-time business. Teaching, choreographing, scheduling, planning events, coaching, mentoring, managing finances is more than a job, it’s a lifestyle. But sure, let’s call it a hobby.
6. Working with teenagers means constantly learning a new language.
One of the unintended perks of teaching dance is that I get a front-row seat to the ever-changing world of teen slang. In what feels like days, we’ve gone from dances being on fleek to bussin, being fire, and slayin it. I can barely keep up. I’ve stopped questioning it and just go with the flow even though I try to draw the line at trying to use these words in conversation myself. But I do ok occasion, bonus points because that’s an instant way to make teenagers cringe.
Despite the unexpected (and sometimes bizarre) moments, teaching dance is an adventure I wouldn’t trade for anything. The laughter, the creativity, and the joy of watching kids grow in confidence and skill make every odd moment worth it. So yes, I’ve had to say things I never imagined, but I’ve also learned that dance class isn’t just about movements, it’s about imagination, self-expression, and sometimes, resisting the urge to lick a mirror.
Got any funny dance class moments to share? Drop them in the comments, I’d love to hear them!