COMPLETE GUIDE FOR A SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO DANCE SCHOOL

The start of the new school year is approaching, and with it, the return to the dance studio. At All That Dance, we see it every year: a well-prepared start to the new school year means a season that begins with confidence, without stress or last-minute surprises.

To help you get started, we asked a young dancer to share her advice—the advice she uses herself every year. Nine simple tips, tried and tested, which we've supplemented here with our expert insights to help you really get off to a great start.

1. Check your slippers first

Children's feet grow quickly—sometimes a full shoe size in just a few months. Shoes that are too small or too flexible hinder technique and can cause unnecessary pain.

Before each new school year, we recommend a complete fitting: length, width, flexibility of the sole according to the discipline (soft demi-pointe for classical dance, split-sole shoe for jazz, technical sneaker for urban).

Our expert advice: have your shoe size checked in store rather than online — the same model does not always fit the same way from one brand to another.

2. Pack your bag the night before

Leotard, tights, scrunchie, ballet slippers, water bottle: preparing everything the night before avoids morning stress and allows the child to become more independent. It's also an opportunity to involve younger dancers in preparing their own equipment.

3. Choose a comfortable leotard

Comfort takes precedence over aesthetics, especially for young, growing dancers. Breathable fabric, a non-constricting cut, and flat seams (without chafing) allow them to focus on movement rather than the discomfort of the fabric.

4. Tie your hair up properly

A tight bun, without any stray hairs obstructing the view or the posture of the head, is not just a matter of aesthetics: it is a matter of safety and concentration during the lesson.

A hairnet and a few bobby pins are all you need to hold the hair in place for the whole session.

5. Arrive 10 minutes early

These few minutes allow you to warm up gently, remove everyday items and get into the right frame of mind for the class.

Arriving early also means arriving relaxed.

6. Listen to your teacher

Each instruction, even if repeated, contributes to progress.

For children, active listening is already a skill in its own right — it is practiced as much as the steps themselves.

7. Drink water regularly

A well-hydrated body recovers better and is less prone to injury.

We recommend keeping a small water bottle always within reach, to be used during breaks.

8. Stretch after each class

Post-class stretching helps to maintain flexibility throughout the season and limit muscle soreness.

A few minutes are enough, ideally supervised by the teacher.

9. Enjoy yourself above all else

The real secret to a great start to the new school year is this: dancing should remain a pleasure.

Motivation and regularity come naturally when the child is eager to return to their studio.

A smooth return to school is being prepared in stores.

At All That Dance, we support every dancer — from first year to most experienced — in choosing the right equipment: shoes adapted to the size and discipline, comfortable leotards, hair accessories, and everything necessary for a season that starts off on the right foot.

Come see us in store or contact us: we'll prepare your back-to-school season together.