Teaching Adults To Dance
Read more articles on Dance and Ballet and Let Me Share With You.July 15, 2007
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
July 15, 2007
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
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Most dance teachers can adequately communicate lesson plans to children, but many are not comfortable with adult students. It could be due to a young dance teacher’s inability to relate to an older person’s physical concerns, or it could be because most performing arts dance education (ballet, jazz, modern or tap) is geared toward young people. Every dance teacher realizes that more sophisticated analogy must be used, but there are major differences between teaching those under 10 and those over 30, 40, or even 50.
Older dance students achieve the most success and achievement if they are approached differently than a teacher would approach a class of children. The latter demands more of a directive style, while adults prefer an interactive approach. This can mean asking them if anyone is suffering from injury or muscle pain on that day, taking requests for music, or simply asking if they remember dances from a previous class. Traditionally, compliments are given sparingly in a formal performing arts class, but adults possess a great sense of ownership of their bodies and their progress. Therefore, dance teachers should acknowledge the adult students’ achievements and improvements. Adult students usually strive to look their best and some may not do a particular exercise if they are intimidated. It is the responsibility of the teacher to encourage adult dance students to challenge themselves. Adult dancers want to get the most out of the classes for which they are paying, and so they usually welcome corrections and explanations. This is where interpersonal skills play a part, as they are required more than the dictatorial style used with children.
It is clear when teaching an adult beginner that his or her body works differently from that of a dancer’s, and it’s not difficult to start with the basics. However, it’s not so easy to determine how much to challenge an adult who has had dance experience. Most adults err on the side of caution and won’t attempt anything beyond their comfort zone, but others may ignore limitations, and thus can hurt themselves. Teachers may be able to get some idea of individual limitations by closely watching all students during the warm-up.
To meet the physical needs of the adult dance student, instructors should spend 50% of class time on warm-up, including barre if it is ballet class. Warm up must start with all major joints, then all muscle groups, and should encompass various speeds, balance, flexibility and extension. Sometimes adults like to do yoga, such as inversion poses or breathing exercises for stress relief, but most adult students are there to work. The best adult warm-up is progressive and combined with non-weight bearing floor work. (It is the progressive exercises which allow the adult student to continuously improve his or her flexibility and strength.)
The degree of difficulty for dance combinations should depend on who is there on a particular day and the difference in levels. There should be at least one combination which everyone can do easily. During the more advanced combinations, teachers should not insist that timid adult students stand in the front or demonstrate. Many have no intention of ever performing and don’t want to be watched. They are doing in class for their own fulfillment and sense of accomplishment, and there is no need to pressure them.
Some adults will not do jumps or turns for various reasons and should not be coerced into doing anything with which they are not comfortable. (They may have a medical condition they do not wish to share.)
Slower, sustained dance combinations allow adult dance students time to plan and execute the movements with more control. Teachers must consider this if they are planning an adult performance; it will be easier for everyone if the adult students are involved in the choreographic process.
If adult dancers perform a simple piece confidently, it will be more impressive than a complicated piece they do nervously. When the adult dancer is encouraged and trained at their own speed, there is no reason that he or she cannot turn, balance, or even partner. The adult dance students simply get there in a different way, as long as they are led by very special teachers.
Dance instructors should never underestimate an adult dancer just because the student may be several decades older. There’s artistry inherent in everyone, and adult dancers have a way of exposing that beauty. What adult dance students may lack in technique is often replaced by sheer exuberance and the joy of following their dreams!
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