Dance Instructors – Not Dance Teachers

This is a common mistake

There is a misconception that people who teach ballroom are ballroom dance teachers. They are not!

They are dance instructors not the teacher on the lesson. The true teacher is the student. This sounds odd at first but allow me to explain and I am sure you will agree.

As an instructor, I can only instruct a student on the proper footwork, technique, and characteristics of a dance. I can’t force that information into their body or practice it for them until they learn it.

Thus, learning to dance is the responsibility of the person being instructed. A perfect example is buying something at the store that you need to assemble yourself.

You get instructions when you buy a computer desk, but they won’t assemble the desk for you. You have to do that yourself. Step by step instructions guide you through the process as does a dance instructor teaching a student.

When I explain that to a student, I place the responsibility on them to learn. This subtle awareness gives the student the right perspective when listening to their instructor. Your student will also be capable of taking pride in knowing that they succeeded because of their hard work.

Instructors need to understand that they can only do so much when it comes to teaching. Most people do not want to be champion dancers, they simply want to get by and have tons of fun. As their instructor remember to stay focused on their dance goals, not yours.

One of the greatest ballroom dancers and instructors, was Bemil McGregor. Her definition of a great instructor of any kind was, “A person who inspires others to learn.”

We must all strive to be a student for as long as we live. Because, just like when King Arthur asked Merlin the wizard,

“Merlin, what was it you told me about being happy?

The old wizard replied,

“Wart, if you want to be happy, simply learn something!

Peace, Love, and Unconditional Happiness!