Amazing Dance Solutions

Dance instructor working with a student.

Instructors Instruct – Students Teach

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by

H. Mikel Feilen
in , ,

It’s not a play on words; it’s a fact

A ballroom dance instructor teaching a group class.
Ready, and Slow...

Q: So, if instructors are instructing and students are teaching then who is doing the learning?

A: Everyone is learning as long as they are part of the lesson.

Instructors learn each time they teach. They find clearer ways to explain concepts to their students. By teaching even basic patterns in dance, they better understand the material themselves.

Here is one of my favorite quotes when it comes to being a great instructor,

If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.

Albert Einstein

Students learn by teaching themselves what instructors have taught. While it may sound strange, that’s how it works. This is why I say that students teach.

Instructors provide a basic understanding of a pattern, technique, or expression. It is up to the student to take that information and practice it into their body; making it a habit.

If I buy a swing set for my kid, I have to assemble it myself. The set includes instructions, but it’s up to me to put it together. This holds true in learning to dance or any other form of instruction.

So, what are the elements that make for a great instructor?

A woman professionally dressed, smiling, and looking like she is going to a meeting.
Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels.com

A great instructor must be able to do 3 things:

  1. Explain concepts clearly by using analogies that are easy to understand
  2. Avoid teaching students more than they need or focusing on your own interests.
  3. Last but not least, a great instructor inspires others to learn

When I start teaching a new student, I explain that everyone learns differently. I emphasize that building a habit is their responsibility, but I also remind them that learning is a journey, not a race.

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.

Albert Einstein

One more vital aspect of being an exceptional instructor, regardless of the profession, is the unwavering commitment to lifelong learning!

Peace, Love, and Unconditional Happiness!

Two children dancing in a ballroom dance competition.
Love the new tie and tux shirt! Smile! You’re doing great sweetie, 2, 3 –

You can always spot a front-end teacher. She’s definitely supervisor material.

Comments

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