How to Prepare Dance Classes

How to Prepare Dance Classes Our Advice for Putting Together Your First Lesson as a Private Dance Tutor ChaptersOffer Dance Tutorials Tailored to the Student’s NeedsFamiliarise Yourself with Common Difficulties Encountered by Dance TutorsPlanning Your First Dance ClassesLong before teaching dancing was a profession and artistic discipline, it was just a popular hobby.Nowadays there are plenty of professional dancers looking to transfer their knowledge to aspiring dancers and performing arts students. However, even experienced dancers can mess up their first lessons by underestimating just how much they need to prepare in order to teach an effective dance class.When it comes to writing lesson plans for students, you need to engage them and encourage them to learn and incorporate a range of different teaching strategies in your lesson plan.Follow our guide for teachers and tutors and learn to plan your first tutorial as a private dance tutor, effectively introduce yourself to new students so they'll want to keep improving by getting dance lessons with you, and inspire the future genera tion of dancers with the freedom of working outside of a dance company.The tutor should also regularly give their students varied exercises to do both in class and between sessions so that the student has every opportunity to get better. If you're a choreographer, you could give your student an ongoing assignment to create their own routine to learn about choreography.Planning Your First Dance ClassesWork Out What Your Students WantOn Superprof, over 92% of students get the first hour of tutoring for free.Make sure you're honest with your students and manage their expectations. Don't promise international stardom to absolute beginners! (Source: Free-Photos)After this taster lesson, students should know whether they want to learn to dance and can start getting to know their tutor and work out a course plan for their tutorials. The tutor should check what their student’s main goal is and what they expect to get out of their tutorials while making sure their tutorials are engaging. D on't forget to check websites for free lesson plans if you're struggling for inspiration.See more about pricing up lessons here.The student may have several reasons for wanting private dance lessons:Going from a beginner to an expertThe first dance at a weddingA choreographed dance sequence for a hen partyPractising for a flash mobA dance competitionAn entrance exam for a conservatoire or dance academyPreparing for an evening of dancePutting on a dance show, etc.Taster tutorials don’t necessarily have to focus on dancing, they can be just a friendly chat between the tutor and the student. To get themselves ready for the first session, tutors should get in touch with the student to ask them a few questions about their level and their experience.If you have students who are also learning to dance at school, college, or university, you'll need to make sure that your tutorials are aligned with the curricula and the dance education they're receiving from these institutions. It's silly to teach them something months before their school teacher tells them about it when you could help them with their current studies.When choosing their tutor, students will often take suggestions from their friends, so make sure you have other students recommending you.Choose Where to Teach Dance ClassesIt can be a nightmare for tutors to choose the right place for their private dance lessons!Some tutors and students use a dedicated room in their house. However, in most cases, the tutor will have to consider renting a studio for private dance lessons.Don’t worry, though! The student will pay for renting the hall, either directly or you can factor it into your hourly rates (especially if tutoring if your primary source of income). There are plenty of places to rent rooms and tutors can rent private rooms or halls in leisure centres.Get the Right EquipmentBefore planning your first tutorial, you should make sure you have all the necessary equipment to provide quality dance instructio n.Why not offer discounts for couples wanting to learn how to dance? (Source: witt_digital)Most students won’t know what they need to bring to their first dance lesson. The tutor should evaluate their student’s goals and needs and then decide upon what equipment and resources they’ll need.In preparation for your first lesson, you should look at getting your hands on the following equipment and resources:Specialised shoes according to the style of dance (tap shoes, ballet slippers, trainers, etc.)Clothes (tops, leggings, etc.)Music (CDs, MP3s, etc.)Specific equipment (pole-dancing poles, steps, etc.)Teacher resources and learning materials (online dance lessons, dance applications, printable worksheets and lesson plan templates, etc.)If the tutor decides to provide equipment and resources for teaching, they can increase their rates. Some students prefer to rent equipment rather than buying it themselves and will pay a premium rather than having to think about what equipment to get.Don’t hesitate to offer your services as a dance tutor on Superprof! Most tutors on the platform offer a free lesson as a taster to those who want to learn to dance. You only have one opportunity to introduce yourself to your new student, so make sure you make it count!Before you introduce yourself, try to anticipate what you student will want to learn to do and focus on the importance of having a dedicated tutor helping them to dance over being part of a group like they would be in a traditional dance school (especially if they've studied ballet before).