"Other" Skills To Develop as a Dance Educator

Advance your career by Upskilling!

For Dance Teachers Looking to Advance Their Career by Sarah Reis, MEd

Are you a dance teacher looking to grow in your career and secure better pay as a dance teacher? Or maybe you are happy where you are but simply want to improve your practice, on the hopes of getting more opportunity, filling more hours and accepting new challenges.

In the competitive world of dance education, it's crucial to continually develop and hone your skills to make an impression. By understanding key skills and adopting a proactive mindset, you can pave the way for career progression and increased earning potential. Let's explore the essential skills dance teachers can cultivate to elevate their professional journey.

But where should we spend our time developing outside of just dance and teaching pedagogy? As far as upskilling goes, of course developing our dance and artistry makes sense. And developing our actual teaching skills, classroom management and student engagement practices is a no-brainer. But - what if we are already doing that, but not really breaking through? How do we upskill to the next level? The following blog will identify skills dance teachers can develop for explosive growth.

Embolden your students to embrace their individuality and express their stories through the universal language of dance.

So you want to go "all in" on your dance teaching path but you're feeling stuck and not sure how to break through to the next level that you see is achievable around you........

Before we discuss the six actionable processes here are a few core skills to consider on your personal growth journey: 1) Develop your Patience - this strengthens your teaching and you will display as a kinder educator. Work on the skill of patience through visualizing and reflection, when you find yourself getting impatient reflect on that moment in the evening before bed. Why did you feel that way? What parameters happened that lead to that moment? Are you happy with how you responded? - Why or Why not? What could you do differently next time?

2) Develop your Emotional Intelligence - If you are leaving dance competitions slandering the judges - saying that they are blind, you don't yet have the maturity required of higher dance leadership. There will be wins and there will be loses, you won't always understand the loses, but it's important to remember: It is just dance, it's supposed to be fun, and someone else's opinion on one day does not change your worth as a choreographer. Develop the Emotional Intelligence to:

-Accept losses with maturity and grace

-Be a role model for how to rebound from adversity and struggle

-Not get pressured into doing things you don't want to do

-Be a role model for how to speak about losses and wins with your dancers

-Be happy for your peers when they experience the success you wanted

-Have difficult conversations

-Regulate your ability to avoid responding with hot emotions before you have thought things through and allowed yourself to cool down

-Skip out on gossiping and build a positive dance space

-Take feedback with a growth mindset and curiosity

3) Get Organized - You are very hard to hire if you are unpredictable and unorganized. It makes you unreliable, which is a huge red flag for studio owners. Show up early and prepared, make deadlines, do what you say you are going to do. Get your music files in, finish your choreography on time, keep the studio tidy, be proactive about days off that you may need for personal reasons.

Master the Art of Effective Communication

Unlock the door to unparalleled teaching success by mastering the art of effective communication. As a dance teacher, your words are your most powerful tool. The clarity with which you instruct, the warmth in your feedback, and the strength of your connection with each student can dramatically enhance the dance learning experience. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Develop your ability to listen actively, ensuring every student feels heard and valued. This means tuning into their verbal cues and body language, responding with empathy and understanding. Embrace the challenge of adapting your communication style to meet the diverse needs of your students, recognizing that each dancer absorbs information differently. Whether it's through spoken word, demonstration, or digital mediums, find innovative ways to convey your passion and knowledge for dance.

By cultivating a dynamic and inclusive communication approach, you not only illuminate the path for your students' technical improvement but also foster a nurturing environment where creativity and confidence flourish. Remember, effective communication is a two-way street; encourage your students to express their thoughts and feelings about their dance journey. This open dialogue builds trust, propels mutual respect, and cements a positive, supportive classroom culture.

In the realm of dance, where movements speak volumes, your ability to communicate effectively positions you as a beacon of inspiration and guidance. Let your words and actions resonate with purpose, and watch as your students soar to new heights under your mentorship. Embrace this journey of continuous improvement in communication; it's your gateway to leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those you teach. But that's actually not the big part of mastering communication, if you want to be a bookable educator: your communication with studio owners and directors is just as important. Checklist for communication: Are you communicating your lesson goals with your dancers?

Are you creating a safe space for dancers to communicate their goals with you? Are you able to express and communicate to new learners without getting frustrated? Are you communicating your goals and desires to your studio owners/directors or just expecting them to know what you want? Are you following up on communication to make sure it is clear? Are you providing enough avenues of communication where necessary? Are you communicating in ways that reach all types of learners, particularly visual learners?

Embrace the Role of a Motivational Mentor

Ignite a fire within your students - As a dance teacher, you wield the incredible ability to shape dreams, fuel ambition, and propel your students toward greatness. Your role transcends the boundaries of traditional teaching; it’s about becoming a beacon of hope and a source of relentless encouragement for both personal and artistic growth in and outside of dance. Celebrate their triumphs with enthusiasm, and address setbacks with wisdom that turns obstacles into stepping stones. Each opportunity is one of growth. Your belief in their potential can transform self-doubt into self-assurance.

In the dance studio, where every step and spin holds the promise of progress, your words can inspire a resilience that will last a lifetime, you make an impression deeper than you probably even know. Encourage your students to envision their goals, no matter how lofty, and equip them with the determination to leap towards their aspirations. Your guidance is more than just technical—it's emotional support that acknowledges their efforts, respects their individuality, and understands their struggles.

Being a motivational mentor means being their champion in every sense—pushing them to extend their limits, cheering for their achievements, and standing by them through every part of their dance journey. It’s about crafting an environment where every student feels empowered to express themselves, take risks, and embrace their unique path to success. Your role is pivotal, for in your hands lies the power to cultivate the next generation of dancers who are not only technically proficient but are also resilient, passionate, and undeniably motivated. Fuel their journey with your passion, and together, dance towards a horizon filled with endless possibilities. Your energy is infectious, be the person that people want to be around, the person that inspires them towards greatness.

Harness the Power of Innovation

Dive headfirst into the thrilling world of innovative teaching techniques, where the fusion of creativity and technology sets the stage for an unforgettable dance education experience. We live in a different world now and technology is your aid, wether that be video adjudication, instant video feedback or other innovative means of instruction, find systems and methods that work for you that get the results you are looking for. You are not just a dance teacher; you're an architect of dreams, constructing memorable lessons that resonate with the digital-savvy generation is more important now than ever, BUT, make sure you have consent and support for technology and make smart choices. Be mindful what you are posting on social media and ask for permission, watch yourself for favouritism and engage your students in discussions about how technology has changed dance. Not every space is the right space to use technology. Embrace the digital age by integrating multimedia presentations, dance apps, and online resources into your curriculum, making each lesson an adventure that students eagerly anticipate.

Find new ways to innovate; experiment with unconventional choreography, blending genres to create a unique dance vocabulary that captures the imagination of your students. Encourage creativity and individual expression by involving students in the choreographic process, making them co-creators of their dance journey. This collaborative approach not only enhances their learning experience but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in what they will present.

Stay at the forefront of dance education by continuously seeking out and implementing cutting-edge teaching strategies and engage with continuing education. Attend workshops that focus on innovative pedagogies, network with trailblazers in the dance community, and scour the latest dance literature for fresh insights. Your commitment to innovation will not only spark enthusiasm among your students but also elevate your teaching practice to new heights, by harnessing the power of innovative teaching techniques, you open the door to a world where education transcends traditional boundaries, cultivating a fertile ground for creativity, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in dance. Nurture an Entrepreneurial Mindset If you want more opportunity and higher pay, how can you bring new services and students into your studio? How can you create new classes and generate a buzz? What can you offer your studio to help it grow? Are there any incentives available to you? In the realm of dance education, embracing an entrepreneurial spirit is not just an option—it’s a necessity for those yearning to elevate their career and command higher earnings. Transform your vision into reality by pioneering your path with audacity and innovation. Envision yourself not merely as a dance teacher, but as a dynamic entrepreneur whose classroom extends beyond traditional boundaries. This mindset propels you to explore unconventional avenues for growth and income, such as offering unique dance workshops, starting new trendy dance classes, offering online tutorials, opening special programs for unique community needs or finding ways to grow the existing programs you have.

Dare to dream big and take calculated risks under the guidance of your studio owner, for it is through this venture outside the comfort zone that true growth occurs. Networking is your golden ticket; connect with industry professionals, collaborate with dance studios, and build partnerships that broaden your professional landscape. Dance teacher conventions are plentiful be sure to network when you attend. Your ambition to market your unique skills and creative offerings will not only amplify your visibility but also establish you as a sought-after name in the dance education domain.

Adopting an entrepreneurial mindset means being relentless in the pursuit of opportunities and being resilient in the face of challenges. There will be challenges. Adopting the entrepreneurial mindset also helps you better understand the struggles of the studio owner and keeps you organized which will in the end save you time. The entrepreneurial mindset is about self-promotion with integrity and leveraging social media to showcase your talent and share your passion with a wider audience. Self promotion can sometimes feel intimidating to many teachers, but it's no different than many other careers like hair stylists that need self promotion for clients and personal trainers that are also doing the same. The right clients will come along and if the dancers aren't a good fit, that's ok, wish them the best and direct them to where a better fit may be! The right community will be built with the correct aligned people. Let your entrepreneurial journey be marked by a constant quest for innovation, a commitment to excellence, and an unwavering belief in your ability to inspire and transform lives through dance. Embrace this journey with open arms and watch as doors you never knew existed begin to open, heralding a new era of prosperity and recognition in your dance teaching career.

Continuous Professional Development: Never Stop Learning

Dive into continuous professional development, where your hunger for knowledge becomes the fuel for your journey to the pinnacle of dance education. Embrace every opportunity to sharpen your skills and expand your horizon by diving headfirst into workshops, seminars, and conferences that light up the path of innovation and excellence in dance. The quest for improvement is endless, and by actively pursuing certifications like the IDTS and seeking out mentors who have walked the path you aspire to tread, you position yourself at the forefront of dance pedagogy. In this relentless pursuit of knowledge doesn't have to feel like a drag, learning is fun! and, it gives you the tools to have more peace in your teaching which reduces the chance of burnout. You are not only refining your craft but also become a beacon of inspiration for your students, demonstrating that growth and learning are lifelong endeavours. Let your dedication to never stopping learning be the catalyst that propels both you and your students towards uncharted territories of creativity, skill, and passion in the dance world. This journey of continuous professional development is not just about keeping pace with the evolving dance landscape but leading the charge, setting new standards, and inspiring a legacy of excellence and innovation in dance education.

Become and Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion

Step into the role of a transformative leader who champions the values of diversity and inclusion within the dance world. As a dance teacher, you have the unique opportunity to shape an environment that not only welcomes but celebrates the myriad hues of human expression and identity. Forge a classroom atmosphere where every student, regardless of their background, ability, or identity, feels seen, understood, and valued. Incorporate a variety of dance styles from across the globe into your curriculum by having guest instructors who represent those styles, creating a rich tapestry of cultural learning and appreciation. Highlight the importance of representation by showcasing choreographers and dancers from diverse backgrounds, thereby broadening your students' perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. Embolden your students to embrace their individuality and express their stories through the universal language of dance. Challenge stereotypes and break down barriers by encouraging dialogues and activities that promote understanding and empathy. Your steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion not only enriches your classroom but also sends ripples through the dance community, advocating for a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant world of dance. Seize this moment to be a beacon of change, inspiring your students to carry forward these values in their own lives and careers.

BONUS

Develop your Teacher Brand

What makes you stand out as a teacher? Are you highly technical? Are you obsessed with the artistry of dance? Are you funny? Are you nurturing and deeply loving? Are you inspiring because you take on challenges and motivate others to do the same? There are no limits to what type of teacher someone can be, but you will likely notice that the ones that really seem to excel have something about them, there is something about their teacher brand that is attractive to others. Figure out where you shine as a teacher and double down on that, it will help people gravitate towards you.

We hope you found this blog useful and inspiring for you to reach the next level in your practice. Join our courses for more upskilling!