Interested in becoming a dance teacher? Just starting out with instructing your first dance class? You're probably a mixture of nervousness and excitement. No longer will you be responsible for just your performance. You have an entire team looking up to you for wisdom and guidance. To help you put your best foot forward in this new endeavor, here are a few critical steps to follow -- so you can be the best teacher possible:

Tip #1: Keep Learning

You're the teacher now. But that doesn't mean you should stop learning. Before you step foot into your new studio, get all the dance teacher training and support you can. Watch other people teach. If you can't do so in person, go online and watch videos. In addition, attend seminars and read books that can help you learn valuable teaching strategies. During this process, some other tips to consider include:

• Have a problem solving plan in place. It's important to have an overall grasp of effective teaching methods, but also how you will overcome challenges in your class. For instance, not every dancer is created equal. You have to be prepared for students in your class who seem to hit the same roadblocks again and again. How will advise them on how to improve?
• Think back over your dance career. Which teachers had the biggest impact on you? How did they go about teaching their class?
• Keep learning as a dancer. Beyond boosting your teaching skills, it's also important to continue learning as a dancer, as well. After all, if some of your skills aren't up to par, how are you going to help your students improve in those areas?

Tip #2: Be Mindful of How You Offer Feedback

A big part of a dancer's life is getting feedback, in the form of constructive criticism. The best teachers know how to use feedback to correct and motivate their students. Unfortunately, so much of what is said in the studio can tend to be negative. But this simply makes dancers feel like they've failed.

Instead, use a gentler approach with statements like "I suggest you do this..." or "That was better, but next time try this..." When you take that approach, you're not simply offering criticism, you're giving your students a path toward improvement.

It's also important to remember that not every student in your class wants to be a professional dancer. Many are there out of simple enjoyment. So your goal with them is to help them reach their personal potential and develop into healthy human beings.

Tip #3: Don't Be Afraid of Making Mistakes

You're going to make mistakes along the way. That's simply part of the teaching journey. While you'd love to walk into your first class and be a star teacher from the start, the reality is that the best teachers in the profession got there through plenty of trial and error.

So don't be afraid to try new ideas and different ways of teaching throughout your first few weeks and months on the job. You'll notice that some methods are effective and some simply aren't. Take time to evaluate each and why it is or isn't working. There are literally endless ways to teach dance classes. And you have to the find the approach that best works for you. That's only possible through trial and error.

Tip #4: Ask for Feedback

Always keep in mind too that teaching is a learning process. You'll make mistakes, learn as you go, and slowly progress. One mistake that new teachers can make, though, is walking into the studio thinking they're superior to students. In reality, there's a lot you'll be learning from them. So it's important to approach your new role with an attitude of grace and humility, and also keep an open mind throughout the process.

If you're feeling really brave, you can also ask for feedback from your students. This can help you improve tremendously, whether you solicit input through written surveys at the end of class, online ones, or simply asking in person. If you're not quite ready for feedback from your students, ask an experienced dance teacher to sit in on one of your classes and offer you an evaluation and any key teaching tips.

Tip #5: Create Lesson Plans & Take Notes

Create lesson plans on every class, including the concepts and steps you plan to go through, as well as any ideas you'd like to incorporate. You might not get to everything in one class, so it's important to have thoughts written down so you remember for the next class.

It's also important to update your notes after every class, including how each student is faring. What types of tips and correction did you offer them? Did it work? If not, what's your next course of action?

Tip #6: Choosing Dance Team Costumes

You've got your lesson plan and teaching techniques nailed down. But what about your first dance team costume? This can seem like a secondary area to consider, but there can be a lot of drama involved if you don't take the right approach -- which is why it's important to think about this early on.

The costume you do choose should express the themes of the performance, while standing out on stage. They also need to withstand repeated performances, as well as be comfortable to wear. It's certainly a tall order -- which is why you need to approach your selection with care.

At Just for Kix, we can help you with the process. We offer all the practice wear, competition outfits, dance shoes, and accessories your dancers need to feel great and look their best in the studio and on the stage. We carry all the exclusive dance brands with today's latest styles and trends. Whether you're teaching the littlest dancers, or adult ones, we can help you and your class get into the groove.

Beyond dancewear, we even provide all the dance teacher tools and resources needed to run a great dance program. From advertising to training and support, we can empower you and your dancers, so you both can achieve your dancing dreams.