So You Want to be a Teacher!
Written by: Nizana
I was recently asked my opinion by a dancer on what she should do in preparation for teaching as she had an interest in it. Performance and teaching skills are two different things so first, I appreciate the request for input behind it instead of rushing into it. Second, I would ask myself some questions.
- Why do you want to teach?
- What do you want to teach?
- What qualifies you to teach?
- Is there room in the market for another teacher?
- Where will you teach?
- What times and days of the week are you going to teach and does it run at the same time as other classes?
- How much will you charge and how long will the classes be and is that in the community standard fee range?
- How much have you studied to prepare for teaching the style of dance, as well as actual teaching skills?
- Have you taken a variety of styles of Middle Eastern dance and maybe other dance styles too, especially if you are going to “fuse” them?
- Have you taken a teacher’s or certification course in the style you are presenting?
- Have you thought of the business aspects of teaching?
- Have you studied other dance styles or taken drumming and zil classes?
- Have you read a good number of books, magazine articles and watched DVD’s?
- Are you aware of the local, regional and international history of the dance?
- Do you have enough time to dedicate to teaching which will include prep time?
Once I honestly assessed the answers to the questions, if it works out that the answers are solid overall, go for it. But don’t go into it blindly and remember, belly dance is a “package deal” and you need to know more than just some cool moves. For example, you want to teach your students safely, so ensuring proper posture and body alignment is important to know. You want to be able to share information on etiquette, culture, history, costuming, local and regional happenings, stage presence and other important things besides how to do combos and choreographies.
Teaching comes with a responsibility to present a holistic approach to students, so that they have accurate information on learning a cultural art form. You need to be aware of learning style differences, as everyone learns differently. You are teaching someone to actually perform on stage as well, how to conduct themselves off stage, how to avoid costume malfunctions as well as how to do technical moves. Like I said, a “package deal.” If you are prepared to present your students with the whole package, and accept the responsibilities that come with teaching, then yes, you are probably ready to teach.
