Getting the Most Out of High Level Coaching?

I'm writing my dance goals for the next year, and have decided to include several coaching sessions with some fairly high level coaches within a few hours drive of my house. Question to those of you who've done it. How does one approach coaching with the big guns? Same as a regular lesson? Do you go with a specific agenda? Do you prepare a solo, and let them critique? How do you do it? (I've had coaching before, just not at the level I aspire to. )

As someone who has had the privilege of working with some great coaches, some of my thoughts....

1. Every coach became renown for something. For example, while it would be beneficial to work on standard with a coach who was a world famous latin coach, I think you may benefit more by learning latin from this coach. Do your homework.

2. Just about every coach at that level will only work with couples (unless you have a unique situation or special circumstance, i.e. figure skating or some special performance). You also will probably want to have a partner or teacher available. However, I can see situations where it is possible to work on just fundamental technique alone. Definitely call ahead of time to see.

3. Time and money. A coach typically charges significantly more than your average ballroom teacher. Expect them to have rather large egos and very full schedules. You would probably enjoy your coaching more if you try not to waste time and get straight to the point on what you want to learn. Know what you want to work on beforehand.

Also consider that the USBC is an annual event in Miami. Many top competitors and coaches come to town a bit early and stay a bit later just to teach! If you have a favorite coach/competitor you'd like to work with, do your homework, you just may get that opportunity....

Anyway, that's all I can think of for the moment before I drop back into lurking. I hope this helps! 8)

Wow, Taita. This is good advice, and stuff I never would have thought of myself. Hmm. At least now I know more of what I have to do -- either get an amateur partner, or talk my coach into driving to Miami with me next September. Of yeah, and save lots of cash. And clarify my goals. And start doing homework on who coaches what. A bit of legwork, but doable. Thanks.

That was some good advice here...

I would add that having an idea of what you want from this coach is a good idea, too. Since they don't see your dancing as often as your regular teachers, it's best to come into the lesson with maybe a specific dance to work on, or things that YOU perceive as problems.

As they get more familiar with your dancing, they can take more of the lead, but as Time IS Money, come with your agenda (or a starting point), and they will surely fill in the gaps and taylor the session to your needs.

My b/f and I went to one very experienced Pro who's studio is about an hour away from us. We went prepared with an agenda. She asked us to dance for her (which is hard to relax when someone is watching). She pointed out things we needed to improve and we worked with that for awhile. Then she asked what else we wanted to work on and she helped us with that. We only took a few lessons with her, but it greatly improved our dance. We were always prepared with questions for her but she usually found something in our dance that she saw we needed help. It was worth the long drive.

Taita…just to update, the USDSC has officially moved from Miami to Hollywood Beach as of this past September.

Your point about working to the coach’s strengths is a good one! If someone is known as a technician, or a stylist, or a choreographer then you’ll maximize your return from him or her by taking advantage of such expertise.

Not to contradict the points already made about coming in with an agenda, but I also adhere to the idea of letting the coach prioritize. Sure, I may come in and say that I want to work on “x” dance, but who am I to say that I the best use of their time is, for instance, my body actions, if they feel that my foot use and placement is more problematic? The way I figure it, I’m paying them for their expertise so I’m not going to try to outguess them. Sure, I’ll come in with a list of what I think are areas in need of the most work but, after letting them know what these are, I also tell that I’m open to whatever prioritization they feel is best.

Hmm. Another idea is to sign up for private lessons during a dance camp. The potential problem is that great dancers aren't always good coaches. I guess that's where the homework comes in. :?:

pygmalion said:

Hmm. Another idea is to sign up for private lessons during a dance camp. The potential problem is that great dancers aren't always good coaches.

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Yes....but this is equally true out of a dance camp scenario as well! Also keep in mind that most dance camp instructors are fairly decent teachers or they wouldn't be there...especially the ones who've been doing camps for a while!

SDsalsaguy said:

Not to contradict the points already made about coming in with an agenda, but I also adhere to the idea of letting the coach prioritize.

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No contradiction here, I agree completely. It's important to at have an idea about what you want to work on, however, one must be flexible enough to change directions. After all, the coach may see something your teacher may not.

Jenn, working with great dancers is never a problem and always an opportunity. Obviously, an accomplished dancer will have made some distinctions that have made them an accomplished dancer. Do your homework and just be flexible. Keep in mind that you are getting their opinion on the matter and opinions may vary...