Thread: Speaking of taking private lessons...

teachers, how does it work? I've never taken a private session and I want to get the most out of it. What should I have prepared besides the obvious reason of why I'm there? Any tips are appreciated.

In most cases you probably won't need to have anything prepared, or the teacher should communicate with you if you do need to be prepared with something.

It depends a LOT on what you're hoping to get out of the lesson. Like, if you're looking for choreography help, you'll want to bring your music and know it well, and be prepared to show as much of the choreography as you've finished.

If you're looking for general technique help, it might be useful to dance a choreo you know well so the instructor can refine your technique and have you repeat segments of it until you've absorbed the corrections.

But again, that'll depend on your teacher and how s/he prefers to work.

I do have a choreo. I'm looking to improve my arm transitions,articulations ect.

maybe it would be helpful to make a list of all the things you hope to gain from the private lessons. then pick the top five and present them to the teacher on your fist session. this might help.

once you develop a relationship with the teacher, it will become a lot easier to decide together how best to use your time.

good luck. hope the lessons are great.

I always get my moneys worth with a private lesson. good luck. when i need particular help on a movement or technique i tell the teacher and we work on it. I usually do 2 hours and it is what i consider my moneys worth. The cost is not an issue. I rather spend money on classes/workshops than costumes anyhow.But that's me


Alrana

TeakPeek, I go to private lessons with some objectives in mind, and i explain that to the teacher. I usually tell the teacher that if she/he sees things that should supercede my objectives to please reprioritize.

I give private lessons the same way. I usually start by asking the student what her objectives are and start there. I always analyze posture and basic movement though, and if I see a problem I'll cut in and address that first. If the students objectives are to develop a certain style, I might end the lesson by showing some video clips to illustrate concepts we have worked on.

Sedonia

I loved my private lessons. It really is a personalized experience and I am sure you will great enjoy them... It is true that if you want to work on something or learn something new it is up to you... My instructor new what I was good at and taught me more and more everytime. Shimmies...

There are definitely things you need to do to prepare. But the first lesson or two Id dedicate to getting to know each others styles of dance and instruction.

If you have a particular piece you are working on, it helps if you can get a copy of the music to the teacher before class in case it isn't something she has in her collection, so she can study it before, too.

Definitely go in with a plan so you can get exactly what you want. You said technique, but what about your technique do you want to work on: posture, arm carriage, hip articulation, transitions, traveling, floor patterns, etc. Maybe just pick one or two to work on for the hour. Ah, I reread your post and you said arm transitions, that kind of particularity is perfect. Maybe you can work on techniques first, and then go over your arm transitions in your choreo and apply what you've learned with her watching.

When I go over choreos, I perform them for the teacher once or twice, and then let them know when I'm having trouble with certain transitions, or if a segment of music is particularly stumping.

I hope this helps you! Like I said before, I think after the first few lessons, things get ironed out nicely as you get to know each other.