Thread: large groups

anyone else here teach weekly classes (not workshops) to really big groups (30-50) and care to share their experiences. my current lower intermediate is that big, and i'm working with a teaching assistant, went really well today, but i'm just wondering for other people's experiences. today was a lot of revision and that went really well, i'm a bit sceptical about teaching them "completely new" stuff. studio size is not a problem, the room is HUGE and could accomodate double that number... i'm talking more pedagogics and practicalities in terms of how to run things with an assistant

artemisia

I've only ever had a class that big once, but I remember Sharon (tribaldancer) saying that she teaches classes that size and really enjoys the dynamics of it. I'll bet she'd be a great resource, but she's only on Bhuz occasionally these days. Maybe you could PM her and ask if she'd post here?

thanks, that's an idea, i'll see if i can find her old posts on this and she's on my lj

oh, the energy boost was terrific, it was a really great way to teach. really forces you to be clear, and well organised, and explaing things really well. for me it's also great workshop teaching "practice"..

it's mostly the co-teaching that i'd love to hear experiences on.

I teach rather large classes and love the energy! It does take some teacher skills to keep control of the rather loud ladies,r:; But I love it.
I guess it depends on the class intent, meaning are these beginner classes for fun? I teach this sort to large groups. It is a good workout and the ladies have lots of fun while learning basic skills. If students want a more traditional dance studio experience I direct them to my smaller classes if they want.
I tell you, I get a good workout with the large group!
I do teach these large classes at community ed venues so the women who attend are expecting a fun large group as a ladies night out!

I hired one assistant to be my 'Bouncing Booty' every week at first. Later I invited all of my advanced students to come to the class for no charge if they'd act as 'bouncing booties.'

When I just had one, I'd have her up front near me. She never spoke or corrected students, just demonstrated (and sometimes I'd push or pull on her or pretend to work her like a marionnette, that was good for demos). I'd stand up front and explain/lead with her, then she'd step into that front/center spot while I walked around making corrections and making sure everyone could see what I was doing.

When I had more, I'd position them strategically around the room, so the back rows and sides also had someone to watch. I'd have them raise their hands at the beginning of class so the beginners knew where they were. (I really wanted to have them stand on raised platforms, but all we had available were aerobic steps, and it felt too dangerous!) Students who started in those days have told me since that they *really* liked seeing the movements on a variety of body types.

Other things that helped:
1) Having a wireless mike. Couldn't have done it without. Did you know that voice injuries are the biggest occupational hazard for group fitness instructors?

2) Mirrors front and 2 sides. I did some rotating of rows, but I also would just move to a spot in front of the side mirror and have everyone turn to face that direction, creating a new 'front' row several times during class.