2 Tips for Teachers

By Mignon Furman

Corrections & Communication

TIP ONE

Corrections

Do not give instructions through the music. If a dancer is not performing the steps correctly, stop the music and correct the steps. Do not give more than two corrections at a time. If more than two are necessary, let the dancers get the first two correct before proceeding with further corrections.

TIP TWO

Communication

Keep your words focused. Do not ramble on and talk too much during a class. Let the students dance to maintain the rhythm and dynamics of the class. There is a correct way for teachers to ask a question in a class. Do not allow the students to shout a collective response or make a show of hands. Rather, make certain that the class is attentive, ask the question, look at each dancer in turn, and then call one by name to answer. If the answer is not correct, request the answer from another dancer, without making the first dancer feel inadequate.

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