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i've not long got back from teaching a new class and it was their first lesson. i always find this the hardest - they don't know what to expect, don't know me, and vice versa, and it's hard to know where to pitch as you quickly become aware that some pick things up much quicker than others.
i taught a variety of moves and after we'd drilled them we put them into a combo and danced this for a while. from past experience i then add a few extra moves each week, and change the combinations etc etc.
but it is always difficult to know how to keep it 'fresh' for beginners. for example, in my more experienced classes, i get the students to interact and sometimes work in groups, or we'll each 'add a move' to make a combo, or i'll add layering or a prop. but for newbies obviously you've got to start slow, but how do other teachers structure it so that it isnt' too repetitive? i would welcome some other experiences as I know how I've done it in the past, but there may be another way I can approach it!
i taught a variety of moves and after we'd drilled them we put them into a combo and danced this for a while. from past experience i then add a few extra moves each week, and change the combinations etc etc.
but it is always difficult to know how to keep it 'fresh' for beginners. for example, in my more experienced classes, i get the students to interact and sometimes work in groups, or we'll each 'add a move' to make a combo, or i'll add layering or a prop. but for newbies obviously you've got to start slow, but how do other teachers structure it so that it isnt' too repetitive? i would welcome some other experiences as I know how I've done it in the past, but there may be another way I can approach it!
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Re: back to basics for beginners
Thu, September 10, 2009 - 3:09 PMI just stick to a lesson plan (mostly because my internal time-keeping is evil & I can run overtime if given the opportunity), and add in challenges as required. So for the students who are here for their second term, they have the security of something familiar, but they know that if they start looking bored, I'll throw something more challenging their way. I mix things up between group exercises & demonstrated combos, depending on class size & dynamic. Basically if my students look really freaked out it's a 'follow the bouncing butt' day - particularly early on, but if they look ready for a challenge I'll get them to get into small groups & dance with & encourage each other.
I think that structure is really important to give students a feeling of security. I also think it's fun to change things up a little bit. For the first class, stick to the lesson plan. Security is the most important gift you can give your newbie bellydancers. Once they're comfortable, that's when it's time to change things up a bit.
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Re: back to basics for beginners
Thu, September 10, 2009 - 3:53 PMI think we sometimes get stuck in this mentality of not being boring for beginners- the thing is, even tho we've done these moves millions of times, for the beginners, it is still new! & you do need repetition to learn new concepts- it's not a bad thing! I've been taking dance classes my whole life, and I pick up things fairly quickly- but if I am taking a new dance class, I expect to spend time working on the new moves & concepts- even if I pick it up quickly.
Kind of like when I started performing- you start thinking "they're going to be bored- what other new move can I throw in there? how many times have I repeated this move? do they look bored yet?" when, in retrospect, they were probably thinking "gosh, she's kind of frantic- wouldn't it be nice if she slowed down & worked with the music instead of trying to use every dance move she knows" It really is okay to work on a little at a time, repetitively. I also have smaller classes, so I can tailor each class to students needs & spend more time on one move/concept or less if I think it is appropriate- still following my lesson plan, but it's okay to take longer or shorter than I originally planned. -
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Re: back to basics for beginners
Sat, September 12, 2009 - 12:55 AMthanks yes, i suppose i forget that it is so new to them that although to me it seems very basic and repepitive it is drilling othse moves that they need to get used to the concept and the technique so i'll stick with how i do it! -
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Re: back to basics for beginners
Sat, September 12, 2009 - 3:56 AMYou can also add in a bit of group work - to help them get to know each other and change the routine of the class a little.
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