What Makes a Great Group Lesson?

[DanceMentor]

I teach quite a few group lessons and I'm curious what teachers think are the important elements of a successful group lesson.

What is the ideal class size?

I've always found the classes to be more exciting when there is a large group. I've taught lots of groups that were over 200 people and we all had a blast. The biggest disadvantage to a large group is it's more difficult to give personal advice and get to know people. I don't think you can cover as much material with a larger group. For me, I would say I like a class of about 20 people.

Do you have a typical procedure?

I usually teach 2 step patterns and introduce a third pattern. First I demonstrate the step (especially if I am teaching with a female). We show the men their then the ladies their part. Sometimes this is done simultaneously with 2 teachers. Then we demonstrate the step one more time. Then we have the students practice with a partner as we call out the rhythm. Usually, we have everybody change partners about 5 times, dancing the pattern twice with each partner. Next, we make a few comments about leading, following and technique (brief). Finally, we have everyone dance to the music, changing partners about five times.

Everything is then repeated for the second step pattern. Often we then demonstrate a way to incorporate both patterns into one sequence and add a third pattern. The third pattern is covered just enough to wet their appetite so they will look forward to next week.

How do you keep things fun and exciting?

I think this depends on your personality, but I've always used humor. Over the years, I've picked up little jokes that I incorporate into my lessons. For example, when teaching an underarm turn to single-count swing, I tell the guys to raise the arm like John Travolta. Then I say, "side, side, rock-step, Travolta!..." as they are practicing the step. I also like to demonstrate what the step looks like when danced incorrectly. For example, I try to get my students to learn to dance with their knees slightly bent. Everyone usually bursts out laughing when I show them what it looks like to dance with totally straight and locked knees.

What else is important to having a great group lesson?

[MissAlyssa]

Honestly I have had students say that they like the personal attention of small (2-6) group classes. They feel like they get their money's worth. I do agree with you when you say use humor to keep things exciting. I act rather "spazztic" (if that is a word..) and it rubs off on the students. I do group lessons on styling, mostly arm styling for women. I pick one slower dance and one fast dance (ie: rumba and swing/salsa) so the students get a variety. I demonstrate 3-4 times (about a whole songs' worth) and then ask the students to imitate as I continue. After they have imitated what I have done I go back through and fix anything that is wrong. After that we all just practice practice practice. :D

[DanceMentor]

Hi MissAlyssa,

I like small classes sometimes, too. Usually, I get paid based on attendance, so I don't like small classes for that reason. But I do like classes because I can really get to know people and feel like I have time to help people with their individual needs.

[MissAlyssa]

lol I hear you on that!!

[pygmalion]

Here, there are several independent instructors that do small classes in 6- 8 week sessions. These classes are actually quite good, because they're small. 6 - 10 students. A few new patterns and a bit of technique in 6 weeks ain't bad. In fact, I know quite a few pretty good dancers who use this as their only form of instruction. But they do it by practicing lots in between.

As DanceMentor mentioned, there can't be much money in this for the instructors, though. I frankly don't know why they do it, unless it's to generate interest in private lessons.

[Porfirio Landeros]

Usually, I get paid based on attendance, so I don't like small classes for that reason. But I do like classes because I can really get to know people and feel like I have time to help people with their individual needs.

I have witnessed on many occassions at studios (indie/chain) that will cut the class time in half if the class is in low attendance because it is like giving a private lesson, and I guess the theory is to cut the class off when they get the information that would have taken an hour to convey with a bigger class.

I can see why they do this... Sounds like you all are generous ;)

[DanceMentor]

I have witnessed on many occassions at studios (indie/chain) that will cut the class time in half if the class is in low attendance because it is like giving a private lesson, and I guess the theory is to cut the class off when they get the information that would have taken an hour to convey with a bigger class.


I prefer to do a really good job with a smaller group and teach the whole hour. That way I can build a good relationship with the students so they will keep coming back. I also get them invlved with helping the class size to grow so we can continue holding the class.

[pygmalion]

I have taken a few six-to-eight week lessons where the instructor videotaped the material covered during the last class, with patterns and explanations. That was great, because the students had something to take away and practice at home.

[dancergal]

I have taken a few sex-to-eight week lessons

Sex Jenn?? :shock: What's been on YOUR mind???? :D :D :D

[pygmalion]

Now that WOULD make a great group lesson! :lol: :lol:

But no, sorry to say, I meant six- to eight week. Bummer. :lol:

[dolceamore]

well, you could have a class with partners. and you could make it a Rounds class. this is expecially good before competitions becuase it gets the students ready for what they can expect at comps.

what you can do:
1. they warm up with basics
2. you get 1 couple at a time to dance in front of the other couples.
3. you make them do rounds and you can walk around and yell at them or tell them over a mike what they are doing wrong. for ex: posture, fix your arm, smile, etc.
4. to keep their stability and attention, make them run and do drills like.. tell them to run and go left.. or to run and go right. this keeps them on th ball and ready.
5. go back to another set of rounds.



(this is what we do for latin)

[pygmalion]

This is a cool idea. I'm going to suggest this to my coach before our next comp. Of course, he gets to dance with all the girls, but it might be nice to get that pre-comp critique from your peers.

Thanks.

[IsaacAltman]

By the way pygmalion, who is your coach if you don't mind me asking.

[pygmalion]

Sorry, Isaac. Out of respect for his privacy, I can't say. My stuff is an open book, but his isn't, unless he chooses to participate in DF. Plus, I've told so many (good, of course) stories about him! Can't have him getting swamped by potential students. :lol:

[KevinL]

I teach quite a few group lessons and I'm curious what teachers think are the important elements of a successful group lesson.

While I was still in the Metronome's Teacher Training program I took a class called "How to teach a great group class". I don't have my notes with me, but the rest of your post sounds like you do everything suggested.

In my opinion the most important element of a good group lesson is to ensure that everyone trades partners. The best way to learn to lead and follow is to dance with lots of different people. Some will be better than you, and some will be worse, but each experience will be different. (Of course I don't make people trade partners, I just strongly encourage it.)

What is the ideal class size?

Depends on the size of the room. 10 leaders and 10 followers is about as large as my space can hold. Even in larger spaces, though, large groups are harder to teach because you can't always wee what people are doing wrong, so it takes longer to correct them.

Do you have a typical procedure?

I mostly do the same things you write. In my level I classes I cover a few more (4-5) basic patterns in an hour, while in the level II classes I usually only cover 3 patterns each hour. I've heard (and experienced) that it takes about 20 minutes to teach a pattern to a group class if you include teaching each part separately, demonstrating together, trading partners and then dancing to music and trading partners.

How do you keep things fun and exciting?

Laughing at myself, and making jokes. It also helps to have a partner who can play the "straight man" for jokes as well, but that takes time to develope.

What else is important to having a great group lesson?
Being encouraging to beginners. Have everyone applaud after a dance, it makes people feel great, even if they weren't that confident. Congratulate everyone at the end of class.
Encouraging "banter" between the students and teacher. It takes a lot of stress out of the dance class if the students make jokes as well. (This one can be touchy, though, since you can't control what other people say.)
Giving out steplists that are as detailed as possible. It is especially important for guys to have names for things so that they can use the names as hooks for what they are supposed to do.

Kevin

[DanceMentor]

Thanks for the feedback, Kevin...and I'm glad to hear I may be doing a good job. Starting in February, I'm going to be teaching 3 one hour classes that contain 60 students each!

[KevinL]

...and I'm glad to hear I may be doing a good job.

8^) Glad to hear that you may be doing a good job? Can't you already tell, 8^)

Starting in February, I'm going to be teaching 3 one hour classes that contain 60 students each!
That's a lot of students! Go slow and make sure most of them "get" it before you move on. Your present plan of about 3 patterns in an hour should work well. Good luck!

Kevin