How to Break Down Walls and Build a Connection with your Dance Students
For many students, dance class is an outlet for creative expression, an after-school activity to stay physically fit, and it could even be a lifelong career pursuit. No matter what, the positive impact of dance often reaches beyond the studio. That’s why, as a dance teacher, it’s so important to build a strong connection with your students.
A student who feels comfortable and connected with their teacher will likely have an easier time expressing themselves through movement, will be able to understand choreography quicker, and might even gain some useful life lessons in the process. Building this connection might not always be easy, though - especially after several months of impersonal virtual learning. That’s why we went straight to the source and asked two of our Brown Ballerina Ambassadors what they suggest for teachers who are struggling to connect with their students.
Seneé George is a 16-year-old ballerina from Indiana. Through her own experiences, she has learned the value of a teacher who can connect with their students. Seneé found herself able to overcome fears and other obstacles by being receptive to her teacher’s lessons - lessons not only in dance but also in life. Based on her experiences, Seneé thinks honesty and healthy communication are most important for a teacher to connect with their students.
“Always be honest and transparent with your students,” said Seneé. “It’s important to inform them when they are doing great and when they need to improve on something. If your dance students respect truthfulness, the student-teacher relationship will flourish significantly.”
Related: Brown Ballerina Ambassador Seneé George Shares the Positive Impact of a Teacher on her Dance Journey
Photo: Senee’ George; captured by Teshezia M. George
“A lot of the time what dance teachers have to say is negative. Consequently, that usually destroys a dancer's confidence. Instead of saying ‘What are you doing?!’ try saying ‘I suggest you do this,’ or ‘Perhaps if you relevé quicker, you'll be able to turn better,’” Seneé suggests. “Try to view situations from your dancer's perspective. The level of kindness and professionalism you display will go a long way in impacting your students.”
Sophia Cooper is an 18-year-old ballerina from Kentucky. After creating a strong bond with her dance teacher, she was able to appreciate the power of a teacher’s impact on a student’s development. Based on her experiences, Sophia suggests that teachers who want to further connect with their students should get to know them better and make time for one-on-one coaching sessions.
Related: Brown Ballerina Ambassador Sophia Cooper Reflects on a Meaningful Dancer-Teacher Bond
Photo: Sophia Cooper; shot by Joe Lyman
“I recommend finding time to examine the students’ personalities outside of class,” said Sophia. “These observations will help you to know what setting the dancer is comfortable in, what makes them laugh, and what makes them nervous.”
“Along with observing from a distance, giving your students individual time to learn with you is key. Some of my most memorable connections were made with just my teacher and I in a studio alone,” said Sophia.
According to Seneé and Sophia, using honesty, fostering productive and healthy communication, building a relationship outside of the studio, and investing one-on-one time with students are four great ways for dance teachers to break down walls and build a connection.
What are some other things that can strengthen the teacher-student bond? Let us know in the comments!