Thread: Adopt-a-noob program for my class?

(Noob = newbie for those who aren't familiar with the term)

I've just had 5 students move up to Level 4. This is a big achievement, it takes 2 years to get there and the Level 4 students are mostly troupe members.

I suspect it's also rather intimidating. They look nervous and uncomfortable in class (I know I would be -- the rest of the group are long-term friends who clearly know each other well). Never mind how much tougher the dance material is at this level!

The experienced students aren't adjusting as well as I'd like either. They've had a nice small class, very comfortable, with only one or two new members for years. It's tough for them to accept this many new members into the group.

So, I'm going to try an Adopt-A-Noob program. I think I'll assign each noob to an experienced dancer, who can answer questions she doesn't want to ask me, and just generally be her buddy until she gets comfortable. The troupe members have said they're willing to do it. (I think they kind of like the idea of having a noob of their very own).

Has anyone done this? can you tell me about your experiences?

I'm thinking I'll assign them, since I know their personalities and dance styles. But maybe drawing them out of a hat would be a better way? Down the road I'll probably hurt feelings if one troupe member gets to mentor lots of noobs and another never gets one.

Have never done it, but it sounds like a fabulous idea.

*silly me*

Of course it's fabulous . . . it's a Lauren idea!

Deborah

Have you thought about setting out some guidelines regarding what the adopter and adoptee can expect from the relationship, what it is, and what it isn't - and how long it should last.

I'm not a teacher, just a student, but I think this is a great idea. I would love to be mentored by another student who definitely knows the material and can answer questions. And if I were in the position of the advanced dancer, I would enjoy being able to mentor because often times teaching something or helping with something is an excellent way to solidify your own technique.

I would say that having you match them may be better than random assignments, just as long as everyone has a match.

Wow! That's a great idea! I like the idea of giving each troupe member a noob because, yes some would get upset if they never get one.

oh, we had something like that at the university, for the erasmus students, they each have a local student (who was willing and signed up to the program, as the erasmus students did too - not everyone wants/needs it) 'adopt' them, who'll show them around town, explain how to take the bus, take 'em along to parties downtown and such...
it's really a great idea if both sides are open and happy about it :)

well, i have new people moving into our classes all the time, there are several new ones in each group each term... not just my own students moving up, but my intermediate and advanced classes also tend to attract people who did beginners elsewhere...

and so far I have been mostly happy with how both the "newbies" and the "oldtimers" have dealt with this... you always have individuals that have difficulties adapting, but mostly it goes ok.

i deal with it by - the way i teach (impro exercises, having people lead the group in turns, make sure people learn each others names quickly, short intro rounds, mixing them up for exercises, etc),
- and by having them figure out stuff between each other for upcoming shows and such (like transport, helping each other with make up etc), or other ways of socialising a little, not through me...

rather than everything THROUGH me.

the adopt a noob thing for me therefore would not work. i would have to organise it and it would be too much stressing the "hey, they are NEW" thing, i prefer it happening organically, and it usually does, and pretty quickly.

It's a good idea as long as you would feel comfortable overriding or confronting a mentor if they overstep their bounds or say/do something you flat out disagree with. A bunch of new people coming in to a relatively small cohesive group can easily be inadvertantly left out. THis is a great way to make them interact. It's a lot like pledge moms/big sis in a sorority.

Originally Posted by Andrea2

A bunch of new people coming in to a relatively small cohesive group can easily be inadvertantly left out.

Yes, this is it exactly. If I had a continuous trickle of people moving up like Artemis, I wouldn't need it.

It may not be something I need on an ongoing basis, but I just added 5 to a group that was previously about 8, so this is a big transition for everyone.

I like the idea of spelling out the relationships a little. I think I'll have them exchange contact info, but tell them that I don't really expect them to get together outside of class, and I'd like questions about dance steps or choreography to come straight to me.

I'll tell them how lost I was when I first moved up from beginner class to troupe. Everyone talked about workshop teachers, styles, shows, other troupes in the area, famous dancers, regular gigs the troupe did, etc. I had NO idea what they were talking about half the time, and I was so glad my teacher was in the troupe and could help me. I didn't want to interrupt class with all my questions.

We had a special class (right before the holidays) where my teacher combined levels II and III. In the class, the III students were paired with IIs to come up with a short performance (like 1 minute - each group got assigned a 1-3 minute piece of music, part of a 5-part routine) which we came back and performed for the class. It was awesome because forever after that, I sorta saw that student as my "little dance sister". I can only imagine that a more long-term mentoring program would result in even stronger bonds.

I've also been lucky to have some unofficial "big sisters" myself, people who were always willing to answer my questions outside of class and talk to me about dance. it's just a really nice thing to have.

bravo on your idea.

Lauren, I want to be a noob in one of your classes. This sounds awesome and a great way to integrate the noobs into the existing group.

I'm really relieved that most people seem to like the idea. I was afraid some students might find it hokey or silly. I'm implementing on Wednesday...

Lauren, there's loads of stuff on the internet about mentor mentee relationships / how to define / how long they last / when and who decides they come to an end etc. Maybe you can adapt to your needs ....