What Qualities T Make a Good Dance Instructor?

Dec 29, 2019

I’ve been answering dance related questions on Quora over the last few months. Recently, the question was posed “What Are Qualities That Make Someone a Good Dance Instructor?”

I could talk about this all day long. I’m guessing some of you, even those who are not dance instructors, could as well! Below of my fairly brief response to this question.

Critique vs. Instruction

I oftentimes feel like people confuse being a critic vs an instructor. Yes, it takes a particular eye and vocabulary to critique what it is that you see. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone is a “really tough teacher” because of all of the critique they offer.

Yet what is oftentimes missing is the instructive element. It’s one thing to point out problem vs. being able to provide the tools, information, and inspiration that will directly allow students to improve.

Critics make for good competition judges. Instructors take their students to the next level.

Understanding of Material

A good dance instructor has an understanding of the material far beyond what they will likely ever need to explain. In fact, they know the material so thoroughly that they only convey what is important. They know it so well that they only share the relevant instruction and don’t get caught up in hearing their own “expertise.”

This includes at least a baseline of history of the dance that they are teaching. Every dance form has a history. As someone who is sharing (and potentially profiting from) that history, they have a responsibility to know and acknowledge where it came from. This includes historical context as well as movements, music, etc.

Inspired Patience

A good dance instructor recognizes that everyone comes to dance with a different set of experiences and exposure to movement and music. They also may have a physical history of ailments or trauma that might not be immediately obvious or even understood by the student they are teaching. These differences are celebrated compassionately, rather than viewed as some kind of fault of the student.

And with all that in mind, a good dance instructor inspires every student to take dance as far as that student wishes. Again, goals and expectations can vary widely. A good dance instructor helps each student along on their journey and is grateful for the opportunity to do so.

See you in class.