Teach Talk Thursdays: What Your Job Means

Marcia Haydee

"It is more important who they are as people and only then is it important who they are as dancers." - Marcia Haydee

 
This quote rings loudly in my teaching as I yearn for the betterment of my students.

My job as a dance instructor is more than preparing my students for a history of dance achievements. It is more than giving them little stamps on their hands after class to let them know they did well. It means growing them for all their current and future life events.


photo by officeworks

Little do they know that their hard work through the ups and downs of dance class pays off in their future ups and downs of life. They learn persistence and endurance. They understand that mistakes are part of the process. They become confident as they learn how to shine in their unique abilities.

I have realized how my actions greatly impact the students within and outside of dance. I am constantly a role model through my attitude, even on my bad days (let's face it, some days are just plain tough - and we have that one student who tests your grace). As a role model we must put on a good attitude no matter what is happening inside.


photo by wordpress

It is important to me to combine these elements in order for my students to learn effectively. I need to continually strive to be a good role model and an encourager to students using their strengths. I have learned that they also need to be coached on their behavior in class and know how to apply it in life outside, too.

Thanks for joining "Teach Talk Thursdays" and reading about my thoughts and experience. Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts on what your job means to you as a dance instructor.

Stage Lights: Preparing Students for Recital

It is about that time of year when the stage lights are tested while giant smiles and pointed toes are preparing for recital. The final touches are being placed with backdrops and props. But do not forget about the most important preparation! Are the students ready to face the stage?

It is vital to prepare your students for the stage in several ways because it will determine the success of your whole year's hard work. Besides the obvious "know your routines!," make sure their facial expressions are animated and fit their song, technique and form are strong, and that they practice without a mirror! It is also extremely helpful for students to practice in seperate groups to critique eachother for when the stage lights shine.

If you have other useful tips on preaparing students for recital, please feel free to comment below!

About this Blog: Be Innovative!

From an observant dance student to an experienced instructor, I have seen many aspects of teaching. From technique, styles, and choreography to planning and music management, I have learned the most important element about teaching - to be innovative with everything. In order to make class fun for students, innovation is necessary.

To be innovative while teaching technique, don't just repeat the same combinations or steps; mix it up with quizzes and contests.

For working with different styles of dance, pop in a step from another. For example, a hip-hop movement in a ballet combination or a lyrical movement in jazz.

As for choreography, use the students' abilities to get the attention, not only of their audience, but the students' to their instructor. If one student can do multiple pirouettes, or a big jump well, place a solo for that student within your choreography (video of group choreography with solo work).

Planning your classes can sometimes be a bore if you loose innovation. Keep mixing up your class schedules by placing in new activities or simply have a couple focusses each class. By new activities, I mean, games and quizzes that are both helpful to their learning process and simply exciting to the students. Having a simple schedule can also be productive. You might focus on two or three steps and incorporate conversation on the topics, fresh combinations, timed contests, etc. to get the students to practice and understand the steps while changing their focus of action.


Music is hard to find, so ask your students what they listen to and why they like the particular songs and/or artists. This will give you a guide in searching for music similar to what they enjoy. Keep finding new songs and try to play different ones for each class. Search for songs b using Pandora Radio to find songs that your students appreciate.

In my years of experimentations, these tools proves to greatly increase the attention of students as they interact and set goals to pursue in class. You will also be surprised of their willingness to obey your instructions if you apply these innovative tips to your teaching.