Getting to know a new dance teacher

[pygmalion]

I've been through this process a few (twelve :lol: ) times, but I'm curious about how others approach it.

I'm scheduled for my first lesson with a new dancer teacher on Monday. I'm actually pretty nervous about it because I've had bad experiences with other teachers, I have high hopes of this guy, and because this is the highest ranked/best credentialed teacher I've ever approached as a primary coach.

I also know from experience that the first lesson -- first impression is very important.

So what do you do in that all-important first lesson or two with a new coach? And how can you tell if the relationship is working? How much time does it take for you to warm up to the new relationship?

I have some thoughts on this, of course, but I'll post them later in the thread.

[cl5814]

I am not always that happy with the first lesson since it is almost always a review of what you can do and can't do yet. Not much too learn. But then you also get the instructor that is trying very hard to impress and want to correct your everything on the first lesson, been there done that. Well, i am not dancing at the moment, after a teacher-student relationship ( i.e. "love" gone wrong, shouldn't have been in the first place ) gone bad. So, if i ever want to dance again, i would have to have the first dreaded lesson. Then, the question that is always asked at the first lesson, " So, what level do you dance at ? " and the inevitable answer, "well, multiple levels depending on what dance we are talking about . " I have been looking for a new teacher for a while, have gone to a few group classes to try out a new teacher for a possible private lesson.

[twodance]

The best thing is to be honest and upfront with your teacher. We are not mind readers. Let him know what your goal are. Be specific. If you want to compete or social dance let him know. There is a different way of teaching involved. If he knows you are serious about your dancing you will get a serious lesson. Whether or not you 'click' with your teacher, only time will tell. It's the same at any level.

[pygmalion]

IWell, i am not dancing at the moment, after a teacher-student relationship ( i.e. "love" gone wrong, shouldn't have been in the first place ) gone bad. So, if i ever want to dance again, i would have to have the first dreaded lesson. Then, the question that is always asked at the first lesson, " So, what level do you dance at ? " and the inevitable answer, "well, multiple levels depending on what dance we are talking about . " I have been looking for a new teacher for a while, have gone to a few group classes to try out a new teacher for a possible private lesson.

I can relate to this. I've also had a teacher/student friendship (not romantic relationship) go badly wrong. What can you do except allow yourself to heal and then keep dancing?

" So, what level do you dance at ? " and the inevitable answer, "well, multiple levels depending on what dance we are talking about . " I have been looking for a new teacher for a while, have gone to a few group classes to try out a new teacher for a possible private lesson.

I got this out of the way on the phone when I talked to my new (potential) teacher. Told him my whole dance history, who and where I'd studied, recent dance experiences and certifications. That way, he has some idea of what to expect, and hopefully can be at least mentally prepared. I've also asked a few people about him, googled him, etc. So I know as much about him as I can.

[pygmalion]

Okay. So far I've spent one week - two one hour lessons - with the new teacher, and here's what I've learned.

You can learn a lot about a person's teaching style by watching him/her and their students in advance. I had already seen my new teacher compete with his pro partner and pro am with several of his students. I'd also seen seen several of his students out dancing or competing am-am (although I didn't know it at the time.)

I also got there early the first day, and watched the end of the lesson before mine. And I used my network to ask people about this teacher's reputation, both personal and professional.

Oh yeah, and I googled him. :shock: :lol:

All thumbs up.

Then, I tuned into my instincts in that first lesson. All good stuff. If your gut tells you it's a no-go, all the certifications in the world won't make it a good match.

So far, so GREAT, btw. :D

[DancingMommy]

++I'd also seen seen several of his students out dancing or competing am-am (although I didn't know it at the time.)++

You did did you??????

So he's all that AND more, huh?????? Teeheeheehee We're out of lessons until after the baby is born. Boohoo, but the good news is I'm goping to be back dancing 4 weeks post-baby, YAY!!!!! Hubby is taking off until after baby because I've been having major contractions lately (woohoo!!!). He'll go back 2 weeks post baby and then I'll be back 2 weeks after that....

We won't be making Heritage this year (we've been trying for 4 years now?)..... But maybe next year... Sounds SO familiar.

Our comp schedule this year will most likely include Sunshine State & Sapphire. We only do stuff that is literally local to Orlando. ;)

[pygmalion]

I'm thinking about Sunshine State, too. He competed in that one with some pro-am students last year. And isn't there another one, usually at Disney, in September? Then there's Ballroom Blitz in November. Not too many amateur couples in that one, though.

No USABDA comp this year, but I heard a rumor that they're tentatively planning both am-am and pro-am for the next one, next year I guess.

[pygmalion]

I'll google for more when dancesportcomps.com comes back up (Sunday, I think :? )

And I'll be there to take photos of you in your beautiful blue gown. 8) :D

[pygmalion]

Oh yeah, how about Central Florida Heat? It's in Daytona, and it is a three day comp. Pretty small, from what I hear. I met the couple that promotes that one. Nice, friendly people.

But the child care arrangements could be killer, especially if the comp goes late into the night. Although I guess that's not much different than the Sunshine State comp for you, right? Three days, and about the same distance from you. Hmm. Daycare for two little ones. :? Good luck. You will have already won a battle just getting there.

[wingnut]

I've had a few teachers and here's my opinion. Go with your gut feeling--and have fun.! Don't push too yourself too hard - ther's always another if that isn't the one. For me the fun is the most important.

[pygmalion]

Amen to that. With a former (my first) teacher, I ignored my gut, thinking that I needed to preserve my relationship with him above all else. And I ended up having a lot less fun, spending a lot more money, learning not enough, and still the relationship ended, when he quit and moved on. So why did I bother? :?

The older I get, the more I know that my instincts are almost always good ones -- I may be right or wrong, but my instincts are telling me how I feel and what's important to me. So it always pays to listen to my inner voice. 8)

[DancingMommy]

I'm thinking about Sunshine State, too. He competed in that one with some pro-am students last year. And isn't there another one, usually at Disney, in September? Then there's Ballroom Blitz in November. Not too many amateur couples in that one, though.

No USABDA comp this year, but I heard a rumor that they're tentatively planning both am-am and pro-am for the next one, next year I guess.

Diamond DanceSport is near Disney in September. It usually falls right around ny birthday. :)

We've attended Ballroom Blitz, but not danced there. It's strictly Pro/Am (as I recall) and didn't have a division for International Standard last time I checked. Bummer. :(

One reason why I quit teaching and went completely AM was to avoid having to dance against our coach in the scholarship division. There was NO WAY we'de ever ever ever have a prayer against him. I mean - yeesh - he's a former Blackpool finalist. 8)

And as for it being a rumour about USABDA, it isn't. :) I have the evidence in my email inbox, courtesy of our local USABDA president. :) I went to the last couple of USABDA comps here and I was <clears throat> not impressed. I mean there was a couple on the floor dancing in silver or gold Latin (only couple on the floor) and they could not even dance on time. ARGH!!!!! And they get a "gold medal" for this??????? That's a side pet peeve of mine.... I won't go into it here, LOL!

As for childcare, usually, my mom comes with us to watch the kiddos. :) That's one reason we stay local. And the entry tix are so cheap for the sessions we dance in (usually $15-25) that it's cheaper than a babysitter, LOL!

[pygmalion]

I wasn't impressed by the USABDA comp, either, but at least it's an opportunity for amateur dancers to practice getting on the floor in front of spectators. Should be interesting to see how things shape up for the next one. Maybe I'll volunteer to help. That's one way to influence the outcome. (I'm sneaky!)

I'll check my program from Ballroom Blitz. This past November, there were a couple amateur couples in the mix, just a couple. I don't remember about International Standard, but I'll check.

And, btw, I just checked this morning. Dancesportcomps.com is back up, and looking good. Lots of new stuff. There's a really interesting article on the front page, where a judge sounds off about what she likes and doesn't like to see in competitors. Definitely worth a read. 8)