Teaching Dance - Part Two- The 3 methods of Instruction

By Alexandra King

Methods of Teaching Dance

Students learn in different ways. Some learn best by mimicking what they see. Others learn by breaking down movements intellectually and others learn by visualizing one movement in place of another. A dance instructor should use all three methods. Let the students know how you teach and what to expect from day one. The three methods are:

No. One - Mimicry – Demonstrate and have the class watch – they don’t do it while you are. Let them know this is how they record the image of the action in their memory and with this, they can refer to the memory when practicing. Then, have them try it a few times with you and watch and correct them. By making mistakes and struggling with the move, they uncover what their own challenge is. This also helps you observe the challenges and help them understand what they are doing wrong. It’s kind of like letting a child fail at something so they learn how to correct themselves and depend on themselves. If you have raised a child you know, some things they need to learn on their own after trying and failing a few times! Next, break the movement down.

No. Two - Analyzation. Break down the movement into parts. As an instructor you should know how the movement or step is executed in detail, and therefore can see the student’s challenge. When breaking a movement down, follow these steps and rules:

a. Stance: Start with the feet – where are they when doing the movement or combination?

b. Next, the torso and hips- what posture is used? How should the hips be held – thrust forward? Tucked under? Twisted?

c. Then work on arms, hands and head. Where do they go?

d. Now that each body part has been explained and worked on, try doing the movement or combination - slowly at first – focusing on each part of the body: feet, torso, arms and head – while executing it.

e. Work without music at first, then do it with music.

Example: Do "Step-Touch" slowly – first the footwork, then the toro, then the arms and finally everything together.

Example: The Hip Drop - Stand on the left foot facing the left corner; Lift and rotate the right hip; drop the right hip into a sitting position; on every other drop release the R foot (non-standing foot) as if kicking a cigarette butt away. Once they have the hip and foot work add the arms and posture. Then put is all together. Then drill it at least eight times, then, drill the other side.

No. Three - Visualization. Use metaphors for movement. Memory is a powerful tool to integrate and coordinate mind-body connection. Once a student remembers the parts, he can more easily remember the whole. Use Visualization while breaking down and analyzing.

Example: Have the student imagine a water wheel as an example of the vertical chest circle.

Example: Have the student imagine a wave or a caterpillar moving for a body wave or hand ripple.

Example: Imagine someone pulling your ears from side to side when doing a head slide.

Example: Imagine a rope pulling your sternum forward as you rotate the torso in a torso turn – this keeps the back straight.

Conclusion. Use all three teaching methods in this sequence. First, do it while they watch - this way they see it thoroughly. Then, break it down slowly and analyze it. Lastly, use visualization and have them close their eyes if need be. Use all three methods in everything you teach as follows: