Thread: I did it! I taught my first class...

...and wow, I never realized when I started dancing, but it really is all about posture, isn't it? I felt like such a nag...but I was able to get the majority on soft knees and a neutral pelvis for at least half of the class. Will work on that more next time. I did rush, but my excuse is that I was nervous - next time, we're doing longer drills and on fewer things.

All in all, I'm really looking forward to it! Funny thing, I also never realized how easy it is to spot the 'natural' dancers. Go figure.

Winter, who's had a very long day.

Good posture and technique is constant in every class. Get used to these phrases; "watch your pelvis", "keeping shoulders back", "soften the knees" *laughs* you will always be saying it.

Originally Posted by Winter

...and wow, I never realized when I started dancing, but it really is all about posture, isn't it?

You got it!! So so true. My beginner class is all about 50 ways to help students find the right posture and maintain it while moving!

Being able to spot the naturals... well, yes, and no. Keep an open mind, because you'll be shocked at which students leave you quickly and which ones will still be with you in 6 months or a year!!

been teaching for a while and my own posture still very much a work in progress... too much time hunched over a drawing board! Pilates seems to be helping, I find it quite meditative too, good for me as i'm one of those nervous energy type peeps x Enjoy your teaching, It just gets better xx

Good for you, Winter! Congrats on your first class. I do thinks "trying to do too much" is a universal with new teachers. It's hard to remember that this stuff was once...difficult!

Exciting isn't it? I lOVE teaching! It is so fullfilling! (yes there are crazy, mixed up, strange people to deal with as well!) But sharing your passion is so much FUN!
I know what you mean about naturals! Have seen my share. Don't get caught up to much in that though! Sometimes they just walk away (and you wonder why?), then there is the one who isn't a natural but wants to so bad that she practices all the time, next thing you know you've got a student you can really work with! Not because she looks good from the start but because she LOVES it and will WORK to learn more!!!! THAT is fullfillment! And FUN!

Yay for you! I remember how nervous I was at my first workshop I was instructing. The nervouseness slipped away rather quickly and I find that I enjoy teaching very much.

It fills my heart to see a twinkle in my students eyes as I give them sincere encouragement.