Fostering Motivation in Dance Class - My Personal Story

Continued from my post last week about education reform, I have a story to share.

In one of my kids dance classes (ages 3-5), I had some trouble enforcing our classroom rules. I decided to try instilling some creativity and ownership in my students. We formed a circle and I opened up the floor for us to create our own classroom rules. The kids raised their hands eagerly and started contributing rules: no running, no yelling, no hopping, no crawling, and raise your hand to talk. Their ideas were great, with one change - instead of 'No' this or that - which further constraints and doesn't allow open-mindedness, we focused less on action and more on conduct. One of them suggested having time outs if we break the rules, however I suggested: "How about we have to try harder if we mess up?". Therefore, instead of being punished, they are now motivated!

The rules we agreed on as a group were:

1. Walk carefully on our feet
2. Speak respectfully and nicely
3. Raise your hand when you feel like talking

The results were amazing. It was one of the best classes I had with this group of students. Of course they ran and talked before raising their hand, because they are children after all! But when I reminded them of the classroom rules that they created, the rate of change was so much faster. Ownership of the rules made them more aware and less afraid. When they messed up, I could see them trying harder with a smile instead of shamefully taking their time out. It was an awesome class experience in which we all created, innovated, made mistakes, and kept trying!

Sometimes my students teach me as much as I can teach them. As teachers we must keep educating ourselves and applying new methods to do better. A child you are teaching could be the next Bill Gates or Thomas Edison or Mozart. Who knows how many Bill Gates there could have been had we inspired creativity in our children instead of leading by fear? As Ghandi said, we must be the change we wish to see in the world - so let's start by how we teach! Even as a friend, parent, sister, or brother, we all can teach with our words! Let's do better!

Teachers are killing creativity! How can we teach and foster innovation in dance class?

I have always been extremely passionate about teaching and learning. After high school, I became a fan of self help books and learned about social conditioning and habits that are taught. As a teacher who is exposed to children's minds, I realize I hold a great responsibility - not only are we teaching dance techniques, but we are also fostering and nurturing habits that can last a lifetime. Now that is serious stuff!

I am a fan of Ken Robinson who is a strong advocate for education reform. We are living in a time where innovation and creativity is expanding and our future is absolutely limitless. But the American education system is 'growing creativity OUT of our children'. Schools ridicule and punish failures. Now tell me this, can we foster originality in our children if we instill FEAR? Absolutely not! Yet, fear of failure is instilled in the standard school systems of America.

I realize I cannot change the American school system (YET! ;) ), however, I do have a powerful opportunity to make a difference through AMNA Dance and its students by facilitating creativity, innovation, and growth.  When learning dance, I try my best to NOT INSTILL FEAR in my students. If a student messes up, I DO NOT punish or ridicule them. I congratulate their effort and show them another option. Opening up their minds to options is more important than forcing them to only see things one way.

Next week... my story about how I facilitated creativity in dance class and sidestepped negative motivation!

Dancing Through Life

Waking up after not enough sleep, I start my day by sprinting through my to-do list. By the time I leave the house with a hot cup of coffee, purse, water bottle, cashews, and my dance bag, after kissing my husband bye and hugging my cat, I barely make it to class on time. Part of me wishes I slept earlier or woke up earlier today. Thoughts race through my head about work and tasks that still need to be tended to. Then I enter a room full of cheerful hugs and smiles from students awaiting my arrival ....

Speakers ready, iPod docked, students in position, 5-6-7-8. Dance class begins. Music in my ears, soul and body. Lovely faces smiling back at me anticipating my next move. Children proudly showcasing the dance moves they practiced from last week. My mind is hushed. I am in ultimate peace! Nothing else matters but making each second I have with my students the best possible.

Smiling is my #1 rule. If I leave my student with nothing else, I want them to feel happy from class. Positive reinforcement - my next initiative. No one will leave feeling disappointed with themselves. Their hard work will be acknowledged and and they will be reminded that they can continue to do better to create the BEST VERSION of themselves.

When teaching channe turns, I think constantly how can I help them do this even better. Why are they unable to spot their turns and keep their focus on one object so they don't get dizzy? Should I tell them to imagine they are flying and there is only one star in the big sky, and they can't lose that star while they are turning?

Children are dancing, smiling, getting tired... time to record so they can watch from home with their families and practice and perfect. iPod player and iPod goes back in my bag. Hugs goodbye. Dance class is over!

I have never felt more energized, fulfilled and at peace - all at the same time. This is my utopia, my yoga, my temple, my meditation. Where all the nonsense of the world vanishes, all the thoughts that are not in my control disappear. Music, dance, teaching and learning - that is how I hope to continue to dance through the rest of my life.

Fab Fridays: Self Esteem and Hobbies - Love yourself!

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.