Here are some tips on how to teach so well that students retain what they have learned. I find that many teachers in the dancing world complain that their students don’t remember from week to week what they are teaching them.
Many instructors also complain that an excessive number of students are not not retaining dance combinations in their classes.
The other day I saw dance teachers expressing their frustrations on Facebook that students are not absorbing and recalling dance combinations in their classes. Many find themselves really disappointed that all too many of their pupils did not remember the exercise they were just given.
How To Teach So Well That Students Retain What They Have Learned
When teaching dancers, whether they are beginner or advanced, of any age, you can help them not only memorize the steps in an exercise, but also create beautiful habits, and set the stage for an optimistic, warm, and respectful classroom where learning is easy and fun!
This all starts in the way that you teach!
Here is how to get them to retain what they learn.
Step 1: Teach Visually
Start by clearly demonstrating the combination of movements and steps as best you can, even if you are 70 years old. You don’t need to show 90 degree extensions, but do to the best of your ability.
My legs are not high, and I do not have the stamina to dance full out for both sides of an allegro, but we can still be stellar examples of port de bras, epaulement, musicality, and artistry. Supplement your teachings with diagrams, pictures, and videos if need be.
Step 2: Teach Verbally
Use the proper terminology and give concise verbal instructions for each exercise. Take the time to translate the vocabulary, and if you have a chalk board, write the terms down.
If teaching ballet, listen to the terminology as it is spoken in French so you can pronounce the terms properly.
Step 3: Teach Aurally
Teach aurally by counting the music and providing the tempo. Use verbal cues and reminders as the students dance and encourage them to focus on the rhythm and beat of the music.
There is a fun current trend to execute fast combinations, for example frappé, as a “Rap”! Sometimes I challenge myself to dictate every term in time to very fast music.
Try chanting things like “One, two, yabba dabba doo!” to help them remember better.
Step 4: Teach Viscerally
Make your students think by asking ‘What are the dynamics, and the emotional and physical “feel” of the movement?’ Help students feel, understand, and remember on a deeper level. Encourage students to add their individuality or “spice”, and dance full out with joy, as if they were alone in their bedroom!
Step 5: Repetition
Finally, you can encourage your kinesthetic learners to allow for plenty of practice and repetition. Reassure your social learners to watch, follow, and learn from their classmates. Comfort your solitary learners that they will have ample time to practice at home. You can also consider grouping students differently at the barre.
It is time for them to go for it, perhaps fumble a bit, but ultimately trust and gain confidence in their ability to memorize their combinations and exercises.
Make sure that your students know that they can ask you questions if they need to, but if you follow the advice above, they probably won’t have any questions.
With these methods, your students will successfully memorize the exercises that you need only show once or twice, with your consistently clear, thorough instruction. They will know what is expected, be motivated, dedicated, and proud to learn their combinations quickly and thoroughly!
When you thoroughly demonstrate the combination, dictate the combination, mark the combination for music, and encourage a performance quality, your job is done!
