Usually privates are there to work on something, so I ask them what they're wanting to work on, and go from there. The medical disclosure I give all my students lets me know about strengths and weaknesses, as does discussion during the lesson.

Dear Bo,
No matter what the level of the student or what they are there to work on, if they are brand new with me, I make sure we are on the same page as to what we expect movement to be like on a fundamental level. I tend to get students in private class from different genres, but one thing all dance forms have in common is that there must be a firm foundation in general Middle Eastern dance concepts in order to move forward. From there, I like the student to come prepared to tell me what they feel they want us to work on. Sometimes we end up far afield from where we thought we were going to go, but as an instructor, I am akso trained to see what the student needs, so its kind of a 50-50 proposition!
Regards,
A'isha

when I go in for private lessons, I have always either sent in a video ahead of time or scheduled a demo/audition session first so the instructor can see exactly where I'm at. I may have some idea of what I want to work on, but I am paying for the instructor's expertise and want to get *their* input on what I need to work on!

I have a questionnaire that I have new private students fill out ahead of time. It covers their history, goals, physical weaknesses and strengths, dancers they admire and why...and more. It really helps me structure the lessons. Private lessons are expensive, and I want to make sure to maximize the time. Informational preparation is a big help in getting started one on one with a new-to-me student.

Bo, I would be happy to send you a copy if you want. Just go ahead and PM me your email address.