A dance lesson can be a very rewarding experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, it’s a chance to work with your students and help them develop their dancing skills.
Identify your Learning Style
Your teaching style will influence how well your students learn and retain new material. For example, if you’re more visual, make sure you present the step or pattern in multiple ways, such as drawing, writing and demonstrating. This way, students who learn better with specific details will be more successful, and students who prefer an overview gestalt can understand what’s being taught.
Find the Beginner’s Mind
If you can, try to keep your students in a beginner’s mindset as much as possible. This is especially important for children and beginners who may be feeling intimidated or confused about the new movements you’re teaching them.
Pace Your Class
As a dance teacher, it’s essential to pace your class in a way that helps develop both mastery of skill and high self-esteem. This can be accomplished through a range of methods, including progressive overload and pushing the limits of capacity without overwhelming the student.
Create a clear set of class expectations and boundaries
You’re in charge of the flow of your dance class, and it’s up to you to make sure everyone is happy and safe in the classroom. This can include establishing a consistent class pace, giving students a chance to talk to you and limiting the number of ins-and-outs.
