Even if your studio isn’t performing The Nutcracker this season, there are many ways for you and your friends to dance your way into the holiday spirit.  We’ve brainstormed a few fun ways to kick off some merry and bright festivities at your studio.

Ask your dance teacher if he or she can play Christmas music during the last week of classes before winter break.  There are so many unique versions of iconic holiday songs, so you can find the right mix for every class—jazz, ballet, tap, musical theater, and even hip hop!

Host a holiday party for students and families at your dance studio (with permission from your studio owner, of course!).  Bake treats, play holiday music, and decorate the studio with festive streamers and ornaments.  Your dance team can put on a little show for the audience, or you can keep the event a purely social gathering for studio families to get to know each other a bit better. 

Go Christmas caroling with your dance team.  You can visit local retirement homes, children’s hospitals, and community gatherings.  This is a great way to practice your singing in a supportive and joyful environment.

Organize a toy donation bin at your studio to collect dolls, trucks, musical instruments, and other fun toys and games for your local homeless shelter, children’s hospital, or non-profit organization.  Other collection ideas include shoes, canned goods, toiletries, and winter coats.

Arrange a “Secret Santa” gift exchange amongst your dance team.  Draw names out of a hat and secretly deliver tiny treats to your partner throughout the season.  At your studio’s holiday party, give one last gift and have everyone guess who their secret buddy was.  This tradition is a special game show your love for your teammates. 

Do you have any other holiday traditions at your dance studio?  Maybe you participate in your town’s “Festival of Lights” parade or you and your dance team watch the DVD of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at a sleepover party.  Share some of your favorite holiday ideas in the comments section below.