Dancing and teaching are both demanding professions. Combined they can be stressful and arduous. Surprise the dance teacher in your life with gifts to restore her body and help her unwind. Gift certificates to her favorite spa or a spa you know and trust make lovely gifts for tired and sore dance teachers. The website SpaFinder also offers gift certificates that can be accepted at a wide range of spas throughout the Unites States. Reward a shyer dance instructor with home massage tools from stores such as Brookstone and Sharper Image. Remember the massage oils and some soothing salts.
Check your local ballet or theater company for upcoming shows in one of your dance teacher's favorite dance genres. Many cities have smaller dance and performance companies in addition to ballet companies. Several dance-based Broadway shows such as "The Lion King" and "West Side Story" also tour cities throughout the United States. Purchase high- or mid-range seats so your teacher is in not in the nosebleed section where it may be more difficult to see performances. Dance and theater tickets may be especially appreciated if you are relatively familiar with your teacher's schedule. Gift membership packages to dance and theater companies allow your favorite dance instructor to select which performances she wants to see.
If your teacher has a favorite brand of dance supplies, she may appreciate a gift card from the company or simple accessories like headbands, costume jewelry or novelty socks made by the brand. Educational tools such as dance documentaries, classic musicals or instructional dance DVDs may be welcome additions to your instructor's library. Dance-themed classroom and teaching materials such as stickers and bags are another way to show your appreciation. High-quality speakers, MP3 players and music are useful classroom tools for dance teachers as well.
Prepare a customized gift basket of a variety of items for your dance teacher. If you know your dance teacher well, collect some of her favorite items and put them in a basket. A basket of Epsom salts, healthy, energy-rich snacks, chocolates and gourmet teas are just a few things a hardworking dance instructor may welcome in her basket. Create a scrapbook of recitals and performances or design a certificate of appreciation. If you practice another art form, such as writing or ceramics, prepare something especially for your dance instructor to put in the basket. She shares her art with you -- share yours with her!