On teaching dance: What we wish to hear, what we hope you feel as a student
By Jill Randall
My head and heart have been full lately after a series of wonderful dance classes these past few weeks. I love being a teacher, and I love being a lifelong learner in weekly classes. Thank you to the following teaching artists for fabulous experiences during the past month, including:
Bhumi Patel
Mo Miner
Joslynn Mathis Reed
Charles Slender-White
Courtney Hope
Cookie Harrist
Andrew Merrell
Shaunna Vella
Melecio Estrella
This past week, I have been thinking about how I felt during and after these classes, and how these ideas are broader aspirations for teaching in general. I am thinking about my own classes, as I teach an intermediate level teen modern class each Tuesday and Thursday this school year.
What do you seek in a dance class? What do you aspire to offer your students?
“That was magical.”
“The class was well-crafted and well-planned.”
“I felt really warmed up.”
“What an amazing energy in the room.”
“I felt free.”
“I loved the challenge of __________.”
“I so look forward to this class.”
“Class energized me.”
“Class helped me decompress and de-stress.”
“I look forward to trying the material again next week.”
“The material in class was beautifully scaffolded.”
“So fun!”
Thank you to colleague Claire Calalo Berry for taking these words and making a printable PDF to post in your office or dance space. Download it here:
