5678…Ways to Thank Your Dance Teacher!

Thank A Dance Teacher Day was started in 2014 by the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) in recognition of the transformative impact of dance education and the teachers who make it possible.. Held annually on the first Thursday in May, Thank A Dance Teacher Day is a perfect time to show your gratitude to the dance teachers who make a difference in your life! Make some plans now to celebrate Thank A Dance Teacher Day 2025 on May 1st! 

Here are 8 ways that you can thank your current and former dance teachers on Thank A Dance Teacher Day, or any time of the year: 

1. Shout them out on social media: Make a post or video thanking your for all that they have done for you. Bonus points for adding fun throwback photos or video footage! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ThankADanceTeacherDay and tag @National Dance Education Organization - NDEO on Facebook and @ndeodance on Instagram! 
2. Send them a letter: If you prefer the more personal touch, you can write a letter or card to your dance teacher. Say thank you and share some favorite moments that you’ve shared with them. 
3. Refer a friend to their school or program: A referral is perhaps the best compliment you could pay your dance teacher! In addition to referring a friend, you can also consider writing a nice review of their school or studio, mentioning your teacher by name. 
4. Choreograph a dance for them: Show your dance teacher how much you’ve learned from them - and how much they mean to you - by choreographing a dance for them. Whether you choose to show your dance to them in person or share on social media, there is no doubt that your dance teacher will be moved by this thoughtful gesture! 
5. Surprise them with a little treat: Every dance teacher can use a pick-me-up every now and then! Consider picking up a coffee or snack for them on your way to class or rehearsal. 
6. Organize a thank you from the entire class: Get the class together to make a thank you video, card, or small gift like a framed group photo. 
7. Make a donation in their honor: Donating to your dancer teacher’s favorite charitable organization in their honor is a great way to express your gratitude for everything they have done for you. When you make a donation in honor of your dance teacher, you are paying it forward and making a difference for others! If you don’t know your dance teacher’s favorite charity, consider making a donation to NDEO’s #DanceEducationforALL Fund: Click Here to Donate
8. Simply say thank you: Gratitude does not always need to have a big gesture associated with it. Simply take a moment to say a heartfelt “thank you for everything” before or after class. 

Remember, Thank a Dance Teacher Day 2025 is on May 1st. There are so many great ways to express gratitude to your dance teachers and help shine the spotlight on the benefits of dance education all year long. Learn more about Thank a Dance Teacher Day here: Thank a Dance Teacher Day

How are you celebrating Thank a Dance Teacher Day this year? Let us know in the comments!

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