[caption id=”attachment_682" align=”aligncenter” width=”700"]
Great dance teachers not only have excellent skills, but they’re also able to share their knowledge –and passion with their students.[/caption]
With a lot of hard work, sweat, and effort, you can become a great dancer.
But to be a good dance teacher, you must have more than the desire to dance.
There is more to teaching than choreographing and modeling exemplary moves. In order to teach effectively, a teacher needs to first have a love of dance, and secondly, they must be passionate about passing that love on to their students, and getting them excited about dance too.
While every teacher will have their own unique way of teaching, there are a few traits that terrific dance teachers will almost always have in common.
If you’re thinking of taking dance classes, here are a few things that you should look for in a dance teacher.
1.Patience
All teachers have a stockpile of patience, and for dance teachers, this is certainly no exception. A good dance teacher knows not to rush students who may be progressing a bit more slowly. Instead, they’ll patiently help their students to learn, and guide them on towards doing their very best.
2.Respect
A great dance teacher not only reveres the art of dance but also respects you as a dancer. An experienced dance teacher knows that while it’s important to encourage their students to do their best, they should also respect them and their boundaries, and never push too hard.
3.The Ability to Inspire
A great dance teacher has the ability to inspire their student and is an expert at sharing their love of dance with their students. When the dancing gets tough, and the student wants to give up, a good dance teacher will be able to motivate them; drawing them out of the slump, and getting them back on the dance floor.
4.Professionalism
A dance teacher should also respect the business side of the profession as well. A great dance teacher conducts themselves professionally, and dresses, talks, and interacts with others in a way that shows they take their role as the teacher seriously. A terrific dance teacher doesn’t check professionalism at the door but maintains it throughout all of their interactions with others.
5.Passion
A great dance teacher knows that learning is a lifelong quest. Even as a teacher, they should still be driven to learn new things. The best teachers won’t just have a class that’s formed of beginner dancers; rather their group will be formed of others who are equally passionate about this art form.
6.Care
A great dance teacher cares about their students; not just how they perform, but about who they are as well. While anyone can show someone how to dance, a great dance teacher goes beyond that to show that they care about the students, and really want them to thrive. In doing so, the teacher will help each student to feel special and important.
7.Empathy
Finally, a great dance teacher will have empathy. A great teacher will want to see their students thrive. Having a teacher who’s able to walk –or dance, in your shoes and understands where you’re coming from can do wonders for your confidence and dancing abilities.
A terrific dance teacher sees past the stumbling and awkwardness of a beginner, and is willing to put time and energy into shaping that student, to help them become the best that they can be. The best teachers always see the end result: a wonderful dancer. Many world-famous dancers credit a large part of their success to their exceptional teachers, and you’ll want to look for someone who is professional, experienced –and has a love for dance.
Serious about dance? Looking to improve your dance skills? Visit Dance Hub to see dance classes and instructors in your area.
Image: Zabara Alexander
