Instructor vs. Coach

[dancing_moogle]

Just out of curiosity... What is the difference between a coach and an instructor? I've always thought of my instructor kinda like a coach when I take private lessons with him. And I thought of those teaching a group class instructors. But when would you call someone a coach?

Just curious ^_~

[dancin_feet]

For me, my instructor will be my instructor until he can no longer "instruct" me on new concepts and figures. My definition of a coach would be someone who is there to maybe choreograph and fine tune already known concepts. I would usually place a coach with a competition couple, and an instructor for everyone else.

A fine line, I know, but that is the way I have always thought of it.

[peachexploration]

Hey. Here's a link on the subject your speaking of that might help a little. http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1339&highlight=instructor+coach

[dancing_moogle]

Hey. Here's a link on the subject your speaking of that might help a little. http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1339&highlight=instructor+coach

Oh, I didn't know my topic was previously discussed. Thanks peachexploration! :)

[Adwiz]

One more detail that didn't show up in the previous discussion on this topic is the issue of dance competition becoming more of a sport.

Whether or not DanceSport ever makes it to the Olympics and whether or not someone agrees with this direction, the fact is that competitive ballroom dancing is more and more recognized as a sport rather than an art, much like figure skating was transformed a few decades ago.

This means the term "coach" (and I suppose the need for coaches) is becoming more popular for that reason alone.

However, the general rule is what was already identified by other members of the thread: that coach is most often meant to refer to a higher-level type of instruction used by competitive dancers, someone who teaches choreography and nuances of technique rather than steps.

[pygmalion]

I agree adwiz. I've had a coach for the past year and a half, and have learned one new step pattern, and that was in conjunction with some specific choreography. Everything else has been technique, technique, technique. Fun!