Tricia’s Quick Tips: Teaching Artists
Tricia Gomez
February 1, 2023
Becoming a Teaching Artist – Understanding the “Why” behind the “What”
Have you ever heard of the term “Teaching Artist”? What and who are teaching artists? And, how do you become one? For us, we believe a person becomes a teaching artist when they focus more on the process of what they teach rather than the product. This is someone who understands the why and how of the material they use in class. As a teaching artist, you can inspire your students to connect with their movement and cultivate a love for dance that will last them a lifetime. Check out our video to learn more!
Teaching Artists
A person who becomes a teaching artist when the concept of what you’re teaching becomes more important than the content. When we ask others in the industry “Why did you become a dance teacher?” we usually get the response “Well, because I’m passionate about dance!” Most people become dance teachers because they love to dance. Often, being a teacher is secondary to that. Being a great teacher and becoming a teaching artist happens when you begin to recognize the artistry of teaching and the concepts behind what we teach.
Becoming a Teaching Artist
As you teach your content, consider incorporating different movement concepts such as big and little, high and low, and over and under. These concepts are great for helping students build a solid understanding of their own movement and how it relates to the choreography. Additionally, if you find that your students are having difficulty with certain skills, such as crossing the midline, you can break the movement down into more fundamental levels. Think, introduce it through rhythm lessons, with slower counts, or even as a game. Ultimately, this will help them develop the necessary skills to eventually build up to a harder level, while also helping them layer different choreographic concepts.
Teaching our students is an important responsibility. It is not enough to simply tell them what they need to do. We must understand the why and how of what we’re asking of them. This can help students understand the material better and gain valuable skills that will help them in their future endeavors. Think holistically about the overall development of your students, from their social and emotional well-being to their physical and mental health. By focusing on each of these areas, you can create an environment for deeper learning and greater student success. Overall, having a deep understanding of the movements and processes can help your dancers to be more aware and connected to their bodies, leading to better results in their practice.
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance is a ground-breaking rhythm & dance program designed for those with learning differences and special needs. RWID is committed to helping you meet the needs of all your students. Our program can be used in an array of classes, from dance to music, special education to physical education, and beyond. RWID is here to help you unlock the unique potential of each student in your class.
Check out our different instructor certification options.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and never miss a Quick Tip!
Have you ever heard of the term “Teaching Artist”? What and who are teaching artists? And, how do you become one? For us, we believe a person becomes a teaching artist when they focus more on the process of what they teach rather than the product. This is someone who understands the why and how of the material they use in class. As a teaching artist, you can inspire your students to connect with their movement and cultivate a love for dance that will last them a lifetime. Check out our video to learn more!
Teaching Artists
A person who becomes a teaching artist when the concept of what you’re teaching becomes more important than the content. When we ask others in the industry “Why did you become a dance teacher?” we usually get the response “Well, because I’m passionate about dance!” Most people become dance teachers because they love to dance. Often, being a teacher is secondary to that. Being a great teacher and becoming a teaching artist happens when you begin to recognize the artistry of teaching and the concepts behind what we teach.
Becoming a Teaching Artist
As you teach your content, consider incorporating different movement concepts such as big and little, high and low, and over and under. These concepts are great for helping students build a solid understanding of their own movement and how it relates to the choreography. Additionally, if you find that your students are having difficulty with certain skills, such as crossing the midline, you can break the movement down into more fundamental levels. Think, introduce it through rhythm lessons, with slower counts, or even as a game. Ultimately, this will help them develop the necessary skills to eventually build up to a harder level, while also helping them layer different choreographic concepts.
Teaching our students is an important responsibility. It is not enough to simply tell them what they need to do. We must understand the why and how of what we’re asking of them. This can help students understand the material better and gain valuable skills that will help them in their future endeavors. Think holistically about the overall development of your students, from their social and emotional well-being to their physical and mental health. By focusing on each of these areas, you can create an environment for deeper learning and greater student success. Overall, having a deep understanding of the movements and processes can help your dancers to be more aware and connected to their bodies, leading to better results in their practice.
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance is a ground-breaking rhythm & dance program designed for those with learning differences and special needs. RWID is committed to helping you meet the needs of all your students. Our program can be used in an array of classes, from dance to music, special education to physical education, and beyond. RWID is here to help you unlock the unique potential of each student in your class.
Check out our different instructor certification options.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and never miss a Quick Tip!