Whether you're a brand-new dancer stepping into the studio for the first time, a returning adult reigniting your love for movement, or a consistent dancer continuing your passion for dance, one of the most empowering things you can do is take ownership of your dance journey. Dance class isn't one-size-fits-all, and sometimes, what the instructor is teaching or the environment you're dancing in may not feel quite right for you in the moment. That doesn't mean you or the Instructor are doing anything wrong—it means it's time to personalize the experience to help you get the most out of it.
The Power of Personal Agency in the Studio
Dance class is often viewed as a place where we follow directions, repeat movements, and work toward a shared goal. While that's true, it doesn't mean you have to leave your agency at the door. In fact, the best dance journeys are co-created: the teacher brings the structure and choreography, and you bring your presence, energy, self-awareness, and willingness to participate in a way that feels meaningful and beneficial.
Taking ownership of your dance experience means:
Listening to your body
Asking questions when you're unsure
Making intentional choices (with modifications, intensity, where you stand, how you take class, or mindset)
Creating internal goals that motivate and challenge you
Knowing your own personal reasons for being in class
Taking steps to make a class fit more of what you need & want
It's not about you or the class being perfect. It's about being present and empowered.
If Class Feels Too Easy: How to Challenge Yourself
Sometimes you walk into adult dance classes expecting to feel pushed, but instead you find yourself breezing through or finishing the combination without much effort. Depending on your reasons for taking class, this might feel disappointing (while others might love it!), especially if you’re looking to grow your skills. But there are so many ways to level up your experience from within. Check out these dance class tips:
Focus on technique
Use this opportunity to refine the details and focus on how to improve your technique in dance. Think about your arm placement, turnout, alignment, or timing. Make each movement as clean and intentional as possible.
At Powerhouse Dance, you can choose from a wide variety of classes to push your limits with challenging choreography or hone your skills with focused technique sessions.
Push your musicality, dynamics and texture
Try dancing slightly ahead or behind the beat, or play with your dynamics—can you hit one part of the combo with sharpness and another with fluidity? Can you draw out a movement to the last possible moment in the music to create impact and surprise in the next step? Exploring musicality makes even a familiar sequence feel fresh.
Set personal challenges
Give yourself a goal like maintaining eye focus the entire time, traveling more across the floor, or adding performance quality from the first run. If you consistently do single pirouettes, maybe set a goal to try a double. Even small wins from realistic goals can feel hugely satisfying.
Dance bigger or smaller
If you're physically able, take up more space. Stretch your movements, lift higher, jump further. Or challenge yourself to contain the energy and dance smaller with precision—both require control and awareness.
Focus on performance and personal style
Dance is not just about mastering the steps—it’s about owning them. Once you’re comfortable with the choreography, start thinking about how you can bring it to life through your performance and personal flair. Maybe it’s your facial expressions, your energy, or the way you hit specific beats. Bring your personality into the movement. That’s where the magic happens. When you focus on performing, not just executing, you’ll feel more confident and connected in class.
Ask for feedback from the Instructor before class
A quick check-in with your instructor before class starts can make a big difference. Let them know what you’re working on, whether it’s picking up choreography faster, improving textures, or building stamina. Instructors love when dancers take ownership of their growth, and it helps them guide you more effectively. Asking for feedback early on shows initiative and lets your instructor know to keep an eye out for ways to help you improve.
Add an additional element
If the choreography itself isn’t pushing you in the way you’d like, focus on adding your own element of challenge. Play with dynamics, facials, or performance quality. Maybe that means hitting accents sharper, extending your lines, or connecting more deeply to the music. You might add a section of improv before or after the combo starts to practice that skill as an added challenge. There’s always room to level up, even within familiar movement.
Embrace it as a feel-good opportunity
Not every class will feel like a breakthrough or like the most intense physical and mental push, and that’s completely okay. Sometimes the real win is simply showing up, moving your body, and letting the music lift your mood. Dance class can be a powerful release for your body and mind. If a class didn’t meet your expectations, try shifting your mindset and asking yourself what you did to get out of it. Maybe you released some stress, built endurance, connected with another dancer, or found a moment of joy in the movement.
If It Feels Too Hard: How to Modify
On the flip side, there are times when class feels too difficult. Maybe you're recovering from an injury, new to the style, stepped into a class that was harder than you expected, or simply having an off day. Here's the key: you're allowed to be where you are. Owning your journey means knowing when to pull back, too. It also means knowing you can do certain things to still get enjoyment, fun and the feeling of success out of class.
Modify with intention
Can’t do a full turn? Try a quarter turn and work on spotting. Or simply hold in a pose or passe that will take the same amount of time as the turn in the choreography. Jumping not feeling good today? Mark the jumps and focus on arms, timing and facial performance.
Not feeling floorwork? That’s totally fine. Take note of how many counts the choreography stays on the floor, and use that time intentionally. You can walk in the same direction or use grounded, melting movements to create the visual of a level change without going all the way down.
Or If the choreography is super fast and intricate, or you’re just not grasping a certain section, don’t get so hung up on it that it stops you from learning and dancing the rest of the routine. Feel free to completely eliminate and simplify a step or section that feels too overwhelming if it’s not gelling with your brain and you’re not in the mood to push it.,
You're still dancing, and you're still learning.
Take breaks mindfully
It’s okay to pause. Step to the side, take a breath, stretch, or watch a pass. Sometimes the best way to pick up choreography is by taking a break and just visualizing the steps in your head. Use that time to mark the movement or to absorb corrections being given.
Communicate with your instructor
If you have an injury or need to sit something out, let your teacher know before class. Most instructors will appreciate the heads-up and may even suggest modifications for you. That way, you can still move safely, stay engaged, and get the most out of your time in the studio without pushing past your limits.
Let go of comparison
Everyone in class is on their own path. Someone else nailing a combo doesn’t diminish your effort. Comparing yourself to other dancers may make you feel intimidated and upset about your own skills. Instead, let their progress inspire you to keep growing at your own pace. Your challenge might be your greatest teacher.
When the Space Isn’t Working for You
Let’s face it: sometimes you’re in the back corner and can’t see, or someone’s right in your line of sight, or the mirror is foggy, or your spot on the floor is too slick, or someone in class is distracting you. The studio isn’t always perfect—but you can still make it work.
Move to a different spot
Don’t be afraid to change your place in the room. As long as you're being respectful, it’s totally okay to relocate to a spot where you can see better or feel more comfortable or focused. Relocating may even give you a chance to meet some new people whom you don’t normally dance next to—use this opportunity to make a new dance friend while also getting more comfortable with the studio.
If there’s a certain spot that helps you focus or makes you feel your best, try to arrive a few minutes early so you can claim it without stress. And remember, communication goes a long way. There’s nothing wrong with politely asking your instructor or other dancers if everyone can shift forward or to the side to open up space or create better “windows.” Most dancers appreciate the awareness and teamwork—it helps the whole room flow better.
Focus on listening
If your view is blocked, tune in to the counts, rhythm, and cues your teacher gives. Learning by ear can actually strengthen your dance memory and musicality.
Use the mirror strategically
Even if you can't see yourself well, try to find a diagonal or side view. If mirrors are limited, try internalizing your movements and visualizing how you look.
Embrace imperfection
Dance, like life, doesn’t happen in a perfectly controlled environment. So many factors can contribute to a class maybe not feeling like a “perfect” experience. Use the challenge as a chance to build adaptability, flexibility and focus. When you step into the studio, focus on dancing with purpose, not chasing perfection.
How to Advocate for Yourself Respectfully
Taking ownership doesn’t mean disregarding others—it means understanding your needs and communicating them clearly. Whether it’s asking a question, requesting clarification, or simply saying you need a break, speaking up is a skill worth developing.
Use kindness and clarity
You can say something like: “Hey, I’m having trouble with this combo—would you mind breaking it down one more time?” or “I’m dealing with a knee issue today, so I’ll be modifying the jumps.” Since instructors are focused on many things at once, sharing your experience can help them support you better.
Know the culture of the studio
Some teachers encourage tons of questions throughout class; others prefer questions at the end. Learn the flow, and find respectful ways to get your needs met. Understanding dance studio etiquette will help you navigate these differences while keeping the class running smoothly for everyone.
At Powerhouse Dance, one of our core values is being inclusive. With that, we often see dancers of varying experience levels in class, and we welcome that! That being said, it’s important to recognize that a class environment has to balance the needs of everyone in the room. The instructor may not always be able to cater to individual levels or learning styles, especially if you’re a beginner in a more advanced class. And on the flip side, if most of the class is struggling and has lots of questions compared to you, the Instructor will most likely take additional time to ensure the majority of the class feels confident.
That’s where personal responsibility comes in. Use the tools and tips above to make the experience work for you—modify movements, adjust your space, focus on your performance quality, or set smaller goals for yourself. Understanding the environment and adapting within it is a huge part of growth. When you take ownership in this way, you’ll get more out of every class, no matter the level or focus.
Support fellow dancers
Taking ownership of your own experience helps others do the same. When everyone feels empowered, the whole community grows stronger—and you might even pick up a few confidence tips from fellow dancers along the way.
Building a Dance Practice That Lasts
The most sustainable dance journey is one that feels good to you. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy, but it should feel enriching, challenging in the best ways, and aligned with your goals. There is more to becoming a better dancer than just being able to do the more “advanced” choreography. Here’s how to keep ownership a central part of your dance life:
Reflect regularly: After class, ask yourself what felt good and what didn’t. Use that to guide your next experience.
Celebrate small wins: You remembered more counts than last week? Held your balance longer? Celebrate those wins and hold onto that feeling of excitement.
Stay curious: Keep asking yourself what you want to learn, how you want to grow, and what feels exciting. Feeling nervous or scared is natural. See if you can turn that feeling into curiosity and wonder.
Create consistency: Find a rhythm that works for you—once a week, twice a month, or whenever you can.
Give yourself grace: Progress isn’t linear. Trust the process and honor your pace.
Know your why: When you walk into class knowing your goal is just to move and enjoy yourself, it’s easier to release the pressure of getting every step right. You showed up to feel good, not to be perfect.
You Belong in the Powerhouse Dance Studio
No matter where you’re starting from or how long you’ve been dancing, you have every right to be in class. You don’t have to earn your spot with perfect technique or flawless memory. You earn it by showing up, being present, and staying connected to your own journey. Make the dance class work for you.
At Powerhouse Dance, we celebrate every dancer who chooses to make movement part of their life. We encourage you to step into class with intention, speak up for what you need, and dance like the studio was made for you. Because it was.
So go ahead: take up space. Make modifications. Ask questions. Dance in the front row or the back corner—but dance your way at Powerhouse Dance.
Written by Rachel Ehrenberg