Things to consider before taking a private

[Andira]

Now, I haven't done any lindy hop for a while. If I do come back I guess I start with just going out to dance, but then... what do I do to improve?

Most group classes focus on teaching moves, in a way that does not necessarily benefit my following so much, so I am thinking about taking a private class or two. I've decided on teachers - they are not the cheapest one, but I still think a private class is more worth than a series of group classes.

What should I think about before taking a private? Should I just let the teacher decide what I need, or should I try to figure out problematic areas on beforehand?

 

[Flat Shoes]

Hi Andira,

it wasn't too difficult to recognize you, so welcome back.

I think both social dancing, privates and group classes can be helpful. A good group class should provide you with both new patterns, and some input on following. And it is social. But that was not what you were asking.

I think that unless you already know something specific you want to work on, I'd let the teacher decide. A good teacher can easily spot a lot of things were you (or anyone else) can improve your skill. So I don't think you need to prepare specifically for this.

And I think it would be wise to do a little bit of social dancing before finding a teacher. Just so you'll be able to remember what it is like before you suddenly find yourself in a room with a private instructor.

 

[Andira]

it wasn't too difficult to recognize you,

I guessed so

so welcome back.

Thanks! So you are still here, it's very nice to see you again!

And I think it would be wise to do a little bit of social dancing before finding a teacher. Just so you'll be able to remember what it is like before you suddenly find yourself in a room with a private instructor.

Yupps, that is my plan. I know what teachers I am going for, though, so I don't have to go looking. My lindy plans are a bit postponed atm, currently it is mainly tango... but I do want to pick up lindy too again. I just want to get my tango going first.

Group classes in lindy doesn't feel like something I'll take as a follower for quite some time. As a leader, sure! I should take the step up to intermediate next time I take classes as a lead. That means I'm on the same level in both roles... that is actually kind of scary.

 

[Flat Shoes]

It look like you have a good plan then.

I am not so often here any more, and had a long break. But I'm still stopping by now and then. It is always interesting to read and share some oppinions.

 

[Victek]

Now, I haven't done any lindy hop for a while. If I do come back I guess I start with just going out to dance, but then... what do I do to improve?

Most group classes focus on teaching moves, in a way that does not necessarily benefit my following so much, so I am thinking about taking a private class or two. I've decided on teachers - they are not the cheapest one, but I still think a private class is more worth than a series of group classes.

What should I think about before taking a private? Should I just let the teacher decide what I need, or should I try to figure out problematic areas on beforehand?

FWIW, one great way to improve lead/follow skill is to social dance with people who are at a higher level. As a leader I find this helpful because I don't have any history to rely on and have to focus on communicating clearly in the moment. I would think it would be similar for a follower. The hard part about it is dealing with feeling intimidated about approaching more advanced dancers, but within reason it's worth the risk.

As far as taking a private, with a new teacher I would just show up and let them assess where I'm at. A good teacher is just going to dance with you for a bit and assess you skills. You could also ask the teacher in advance if there is any prep they think would be helpful. Hope this helps.

 

[Andira]

Nothing became of those plans. The semi-professional teacher couple I had in mind were very busy and politely suggested other teachers... well well. I still want to do it, but if so I'd be very picky in teachers... maybe this is a mistake. Pedagogic skills are more needed the bigger classes you teach, in a private maybe it doesn't matter so much?

 

[kayak]

I think the teaching strategy is just different between a private and group class. Some dance instructors are good at both. The main thing I would check is the dance skills of a private instructor probably have to be more refined than the skills of a group instructor.

 

[Flat Shoes]

I think kayak is right. In a group the teacher doesn't have to be able to identify what each individual is doing wrong, which is more difficult than teaching new patterns and concepts.

 

[Apache]

To take this thread in a slightly different direction, for those of you who have taken privates do you think for a person who is starting them if it is more beneficial for to take them from someone who does the same role (a.k.a. a follow taking a private from a follow) or from someone who does the opposite role?

 

[Silveralsa]

To take this thread in a slightly different direction, for those of you who have taken privates do you think for a person who is starting them if it is more beneficial for to take them from someone who does the same role (a.k.a. a follow taking a private from a follow) or from someone who does the opposite role?

In my opinion, I prefer taking from the opposite since I'm a follow. Though, I take from a really high pro, who can do both parts amazingly well. This is in WCS, so it might be different in Lindy, though I've done Lindy since 1999. I like taking my private as a follow from a Lead, because he works on my technique for my actual part/footwork, but then since he's a guy, also how my follow is impacting his lead, etc. My two cents