Chicago Dance Gazette
First Steps: Find the Best Dance Teacher for You
 Photo: John R. Boehm
September 2007
So, you’ve decided to learn a new dance—congratulations! Whether it is Ballet, Flamenco, Waltz, Tango or Bellydance, finding the best teacher for you will be one of the foremost steps in your journey. Here are some things to keep in mind during your search for the best teacher for you:
References and Outcomes:
Although many dance teachers become certified or have advanced degrees in education or performance, it is more likely that your prospective dance teacher will not have a formal degree. More important to note is how effective he or she is in conveying his or her knowledge. Bob Urbon of BallroomChicago.com believes that a good dance teacher “is one that has a high degree of knowledge and is able to communicate that knowledge easily to students.” One place to start is to find out what past and current students think about the teacher. A good sign would be to see that the teacher has a loyal following of students who feel postitive and satisfied with their progress. “While constructive criticism is good, the student must also feel good about their successes. The teacher needs to be aware of the students’ abilities and maintain a positive environment,” says Urbon. If at all possible, watch a class or watch the students in action on the dance floor and decide if that is the learning outcome you desire for yourself.
Rosetta Magdalen of Flamenco Chicago Productions reminds us that one should look for a teacher with solid teaching experience. “I have seen time and time again that great performers don’t necessarily make good teachers. You can’t assume that because a dancer is great onstage that that person can also teach students well.”
The Learning Environment:
Ultimately, you will be more likely to stick to your lessons if they are convenient in time and location. Places to investigate besides dance studios may include park districts, churches, health clubs, community colleges, restaurants and nightclubs. Additionally, you might inquire about private or small group lessons in your home. One consideration is your own learning style: are you more inspired by being a part of an energetic group where you can socialize, practice and learn from others? Or would you prefer to progress at your own pace with individualized one-on-one instruction? Some might say that a combination of both will allow you to stay committed, motivated and to progress faster. Be sure to ask your teacher about all your options.
On Locating a Teacher
“Certainly in this day and age, the internet is probably the best source for information about dance instruction. Another good idea of course, would be to seek out others that might have taken lessons and ask about their instructors.” Urbon also recommends that one could also “contact different teachers, studios and schools and perhaps try out different instructors to see if the fit is good. Personalities do come into play between students and teachers and not all will necessarily work well with one another.”
Your Expectations and Commitment:
What exactly do you want to get out of this? Are you looking for an opportunity to perform on an amature level? Do you hope to meet new and interesting people? Do you want it to be your alternative to the gym? Or perhaps you want to do this for the mere challenge of learning something fun and different? With this in mind, how much of your own time and energy are you willing to commit? With any new creative venture, it is likely that you will get out what you put in. Hopefully, your new teacher will be a source of inspiration toward that end. “Rather than spending a lot of time trying to sell more lessons, a good teacher will create in the student a degree of excitement, a desire to improve and continue taking lessons.”
Magdalen says that her flamenco students are all adults who are very busy with careers, children travel and other activities. She recognizes that each student has her own priorities. “For some students the social atmosphere is almost more important than the class itself. Other students are looking for a very serious, performance-track atmosphere. Sometimes the main consideration is just to find a dance class that’s conveniently located.”
Finding the best teacher for you will be an adventure in itself but the time investment will guarantee that your learning experience will be a rewarding one. Says Urbon, “The best teachers love what they do and really care about their students and their progress, regardless of their level of dance. They make the learning experience enjoyable even though it may consist of a lot of hard work for the students and themselves.”
leni@chicagodancesupply.com
Related Chicago Dance Gazette Articles:
Rosetta Magdalen, Flamenco Chicago—On Teaching Dance
Bob Urbon, BallroomChicago.com—On Teaching Dance
Spotlight On: Bob and Penny Urbon, BallroomChicago.com
Reference:
How to Find a Good Social Dance Teacher by Sarah Reid
Links:
Flamenco Chicago Productions
BallroomChicago.com
Select list of dance instruction in Chicago
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