The beauty of a dance teacher
The reality shows of late have made dance extremely popular among the masses and given them that sense of craze about dancing. I was in Bhopal, Jaipur, Guwahati and Chandigarh recently for some workshops and one commonality in all queries that came to me were about how to choose a good dance teacher. Do the reality show stars really make for good dance teachers?
My advice to all those people who cannot go to a big city to learn from big and popular teachers, is that look for a good dance teacher in your own or neighbouring city. You might just hit the jackpot by finding a true teacher.
I always keep insisting that a good dancer might not be a good teacher, so be careful in your choice of a dance teacher because the wrong decision would mean wrong techniques and an incorrect growth as a dancer. I have written below some qualities of a good teacher that can help you find your guiding light:
Experience
How long has the teacher been teaching? How long has he been dancing for? Find out what dancing certifications, if any, he or she has. While credentials are important, don’t overlook retired professional dancers. These dancers often become exceptional dance teachers, with no previous certifications.
Qualifications
Does the teacher teach different styles of dance? Some dance teachers conduct classes for several dance genres, such as ballet, tap, modern, hip-hop, jazz, ballroom, Bollywood, classical and folk. Make sure the teacher is actually qualified to teach the style you prefer, and is not simply filling up his or her enrolment book.
Dedication
Does the teacher seem truly dedicated to dance? If he/she was a professional dancer, you can probably assume a great deal of pride and dedication for the profession of dance. Observe the way he or she teaches and conducts a class. A dedicated dance teacher will appear to be completely in love with the idea of teaching others how to dance.
Punctuality
Is the dance teacher always running behind? Do classes continuously begin late? A good dance teacher will always strive to be an example of responsibility, as responsibility is a trait of a good dancer. If you feel as if you are always standing around waiting for the teacher, it’s probably time to look for a new one
Respect
Do you feel invisible in your dance class? Every student in a dance class should feel important and respected. Even if you are dancing on the back row, the teacher should make an effort to make an eye contact and communicate with you. A respectable teacher will pay attention to every student present in class and correct them individually, helping them to gradually build their technique. A good teacher will respect all his students.
Passion
Above all, it is the passion for the art form. A good teacher is one who lives his or her passion. Teaching without inhibitions, not bothering about the time, place or the environment are some aspects that explain the passion for dance. A passionate teacher is someone who will offer his students all the knowledge without withholding anything.
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