Today’s post is dedicated to all the new teachers just starting their journey. As many soon discover, being a dance teacher and being a dance performer are vastly different. While performance is exhilarating, teaching carries a greater sense of responsibility — you are now tasked with nurturing and guiding the next generation of dancers.
Being a first-time dance teacher is a learning experience from day one, and it can often feel like jumping in with both feet. In this article, we’ll share tips on what to do (and avoid) to create the best experience for you and your students. Let’s get started!
Do’s…
1. Do Be Patient
When choreographing routines or teaching new combos, remaining patient with your class is important. Even though you may be eager to see a fully polished piece, it’s important to remember that each student learns at their own pace. Don’t set unrealistic expectations — take the process as it comes and allow for growth. Dance not only aids in cognitive development through movement, but it also enhances your student’s ability to absorb and express physical coordination over time.
2. Do Be Organized
The organization is your best friend. Keeping track of lesson plans, choreography notes, and deadlines helps you maintain a smooth-running class. Whether through notebooks, apps, or a planner, setting your schedule helps manage your and your students’ time effectively. If you’re looking for structured resources to streamline your PE & Arts classes, tools like Moververse are designed to help teachers stay organized by offering tailored lesson plans and other helpful resources.
3. Do Be Attentive to All Students
While it can be tricky in larger classes, try to be attentive to as many students as possible. Every student learns differently, and it’s crucial to give equal attention. Move around the room, make mental notes, and open the floor for questions. Individualized feedback ensures students develop independently, promoting emotional development through dance and an encouraging learning environment.
4. Do Be Open-Minded
Even though you’re in the driver’s seat, there’s still much to learn as a teacher. Mistakes will happen, but that’s part of the growth process. Be open to new ideas and different teaching methods, and be humble in receiving feedback from peers or students. Your adaptability is key to creating a class environment where students feel safe to express themselves and improve.
Don’ts…
1. Don’t Pick Favorites
One of the biggest no-nos is showing favoritism. While some students may excel faster than others, it’s important to maintain fairness in your classroom. Everyone deserves the opportunity to improve, and showing favoritism can harm the morale of the class. For a healthy and equitable classroom dynamic, focus on promoting dance for child development by offering positive reinforcement to all students, regardless of skill level.
2. Don’t Work Last-Minute on Projects
Procrastination can be a creativity killer. Once you’ve received the dates for an upcoming performance or class project, begin planning immediately. Early preparation reduces stress and allows you to create a more well-thought-out piece. There are available resources online to help you get started on your lesson plans for your classroom.
3. Don’t Second-Guess Yourself
Trust your abilities as a teacher. You’ve been placed in this position for a reason, and your creativity makes you stand out. While self-doubt is natural, try not to let it overwhelm you. Embrace your role as an educator, and remember that every successful choreographer once started as a beginner. Keep the focus on why you’re here: to foster cognitive development through movement and to instill a love for dance in your students.
Becoming a dance teacher is exciting, fulfilling, and sometimes challenging. By keeping patience, organization, and fairness at the core of your teaching philosophy, you can create an inclusive and effective learning environment for your students.
Happy teaching!