Interested in teaching, advice

[Paou]

I'm living in vienna, austria, and the local scene here is a lot smaller than I'm used to coming from london, we only have one LA style class, but I'm quite sure that the capital city of austria can support more than that! I always have people asking me to show them things and asking if I teach anywhere... so...

I'm looking to start teaching..

I have a day-job, and am not looking to make it my primary source of income (although I would like to make a little from it) - it's more that I think I'd enjoy it, and would like to help improve the level of dancing here (especially in LA/NY style) - 'spread the word' a bit more so to speak :lol:

Does anyone more experienced with teaching have any tips / pitfalls / advice for me, please?

 

[pygmalion]

*bump* How come this didn't get answerwed yet? :?

This is a great question. You situation reminds me a bit of squirrel's. I wonder if she's seen your post. :?

 

[Sagitta]

Good way to start? get a couple people who are interested to get together for practices that you lead and cahrge a couple bucks each...

Another way is by assisting known teachers so people get familar with you first...

Start small. For instance...I plan to start soon with 3 couples next month and hope that the good word of mouth will lead to more..

I also alreday help lead rueda practices one day a week.

 

[squirrel]

Actually, I did see your post, Paou, but had no time to reply.

When I started teaching on my own, I'd already had experience with assisting my former instructors (I even more or less run most classes for one of them - kinda lazy and disinterested).

If you have no experience in teaching, maybe you wanna start by assisting one of your instructors. Or start small, with a few friends. It is not easy to teach beginners or any other level... you have to be able to break things down to the small details and still, be ready for some questions that will leave you :shock: :shock: ! Also, you have to be patient and nice, even to those who get on your nerves. Oh, and I suggest you to make the classes both fun and instructional... I am a technique freak, but most people take lessons to enjoy themselves and not to be ordered around... I learned this the hard way! Thank God for my partner (and BF) who is always reminding me the students are there to have fun and relax...

For me, it was easier when I opened my school, because of the prior experience that I had acquired.

 

[pygmalion]

Thanks for the perspective, squirrel. I had a feeling you'd have good advice. 8)