Self Esteem is defined as feeling pride in yourself. And how does one feel proud? Usually it is by feeling pleasure for an achievement or skill. I personally can relate to this feeling of pride when dancing on stage, and now more than ever, I feel proud when watching my students grow in the dance studio or perform on stage. Self esteem is a delicate attribute to grow in every child, adult and living being. As it can translate over into relationships, jobs, school, everything! Why not help build your self esteem by nurturing a new or perhaps old hobby today - such as dance!
Below are the ways I have implemented nurturing self-esteem for each student in my classes:
- Positive encouragement!!! I have learned that positive encouragement can do much more than negative reinforcement. For instance constantly telling a student what they are doing incorrectly, I have learned that encouraging their strengths helps them better focus on improving their weaknesses. How does an instructor do this? For one, if the student is a new student, they are usually going to feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the class and other students- especially if this is their first dance class ever. It is extremely important for the instructor to be more supportive of the child and their ability - especially in the first few sessions. This will help the instructor earn the student's trust and even more - it will help the student feel accepted. Once this trust and support has been established, now we must congratulate each little win by the student and help them constantly improve. Helpful phrases like this one can make all the difference: 'Wow, you are extending your legs extremely well. Now imagine how great your leg extension would be if you practiced at home'.
- Look Up!!!! I can't tell you enough how many times students tend to look at the floor instead of eye level. It is my personal goal in each class to help each student look straight at themselves in the mirror or straight at me at all times. Looking up is a simple way to help each student feel more confident and they usually do it when they support themselves as a person and feel supported by everyone else in the room...which leads me to the next point.
- Positive Environment!! There are a lot of evils in the world that can easily find it's way in the classroom, such as judgement, comparison, gossip, conceit, etc. I am extremely sensitive to such behavior and never let such things slide. I believe it is each instructor's responsibility to teach not only through their expertise but also through their character. How can a dancer grow individually, and explore all their inner talents without any inhibitions - if they are being judged or criticized. We must create a positive environment. How? Well for one, all my line leaders in the kids' classes give each other high five when doing technique across the floor. This helps them learn that great leaders must always support their team. Another idea, perform for each other, have each person watching give the performers at least one compliment. :)
How do you help people around you build their self esteem? Let's try to compliment at least one person today because higher self esteem in people around us will help us build a better world - one by one! Make a difference.
Love yourself and help spread more Love in the world that we live in.
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