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Many dance teachers are teaching multiple age groups and sometimes even directly back to back from toddlers through teens. Here are a few quick ideas to transition your focus and give every age just what they need from you.
While a bright imaginative voice can be perfect for little ones, it can sound condescending to older dancers. Be aware of the tone of your voice and how you are speaking to your dancers to ease between age groups seamlessly. What is a “tummy” to preschoolers may become “lower abdominal muscles” to your high schoolers.
Be sure you are aware of your age group and select your playlists accordingly. Theme, tempo, and rhythm patterns should all be considered when selecting age appropriate music. Even the same style of dance should have different music lists based on age.
Every level of class should maintain a calm learning environment where they are progressing their skills. However, the expectations of what a four year old can handle, versus an eight year old are different. A quick rule of thumb is the number of years of age is the number of minutes a dancer will focus on one task. So, a five year old can spend about five minutes focused on one task before it’s time to switch it up.
This length of focus increases as the dancers get older. Consider carefully what age you are teaching and keep expectations high yet realistic.
For younger dancers, movements should be on the whole or half note pattern and repeat several times. Also considering repeating the movement to both sides of the body for your youngest students. As dancers progress, begin to syncopate rhythm patterns, layer movements, add more complex weight and directional changes, and increase technical difficulty.
No matter what level you are teaching, leave the practice for the studio and only include skills your dancers are comfortable with in their choreography.
We don’t showcase what our students can’t quite do yet – we celebrate what they have achieved.
Every age is something to celebrate. Watching a toddler twirl across the dance floor with joy can feed your soul. In the same way, guiding that senior dancer in to developing their own style and artistry is life-changing. Embrace every moment of your journey with your dancers. Before you know it, that two year old will be standing in the senior classroom, so don’t blink! Enjoy each step in this dance we call life.
Teaching Resilience: Suck It Up Cupcake!
Dance Class: The Do’s and Don’ts
Sarah Beth Byrum received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance from the University of Oregon and founded All That! Dance Company that same year. Sarah Beth began dancing at the age of three, training in all styles. Sarah Beth was published in Spotlight on Dance and featured in Family Fun Magazine. She was the recipient of prestigious Gerald E. Bruce Award by the Ford Family Foundation. She has also been awarded by the National Dance Educators Association, Oregon Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, the Junior Miss Scholarship Program, and Phi Beta Fraternity for the Arts. Sarah Beth was recently honored by the University of Oregon's Dance Department with their prestigious Community Partnership Award. Her expertise has been published in Dance Studio Life magazine and she is a member of the worldwide Dance Studio Owners Association. Her passion for dance has led her to produce over fifty full length concert events, as well as being the founder and creative director for the annual production of the Nutcracker Remixed. She has received countless awards for her choreography and the technical proficiency of her students at both regional and national competitions. Sarah Beth shares her love for dance with students of all ages from toddlers through adults.
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