Why Should I Take a Coaching Lesson?

In my 10 years as an instructor at Arthur Murray Dallas and Plano, one of the most frequently asked questions was "Why Should I Take a Coaching Lesson?" I'd like to take a few minutes to look at the concerns most students have and share the reasons why you should take advantage of this awesome opportunity as much as possible!

1) The number one reason that EVERY student regardless of level or ability should be taking a coaching is to LEARN something! The usual response to this is "Well, I still have so much to learn from my teacher. Shouldn't I learn all that stuff first?" The answer is "No!" You do have a ton of stuff to learn from your teacher, but we are talking about where you are in your learning RIGHT NOW, at this very moment. And sometimes, no matter how many times your teacher(s) tell you to do something, you just don't get it until another voice tells you the same thing a different way. Think about when you were a kid (or with your own kids)...mom can tell the kids to clean their room 7,345,896 times, and they don't do it. But, when dad comes home as tells them to do it, it gets done. Another great example is the teacher on the Peanuts cartoons who always sound like this to the kids: "Wah wa wah wah wa." Coaches serve a vital role in your learning because they have the ability to tell you what your teacher has been trying to say in a new way. WARNING: You may encounter "the look" from your teacher when the coach sets off the lightbulb and you say "I never heard that before!"

2) Another reason why a coach is so important is that they offer a THIRD PARTY PERSPECTIVE. Your teachers, counselors, supervisors all see you learning and dancing day in and day out. A coach coming into the studio may have never seen you dance before, or may have only seen you dance several months ago on your last coaching. This outside perspective gives the coach the unique ability to look at your dancing with a fresh set of eyes. They will be able to pinpoint an area for improvement that may have been overlooked by your teachers because they see you on a regular basis. Think of it this way: When you have kids, you see them every hour or every day as they develop and grow. Your constant exposure may blind to you to certain areas of their growth and development simply because the changes are subtle. However, when the grandparents come into town, and they haven't seen the baby in several months, they are amazed at the growth and changes that you haven't really been noticing. OR: You've been trying to lose weight and because you are constantly looking at yourself and weighing yourself, you only see the tiny changes instead of the big picture. Then you run into someone you haven't seen for a few months and they are thrilled by how much weight you've lost! A fresh eye every now and again is imperative for your learning as well as for your teacher to gain another viewpoint on your progress.

3) Coaches can help guide your learning, too. Although your teacher certainly has a plan for your learning, having a coach come in can help to refine the teaching plan and the course your teacher will use to help you reach your goals. Coaches teach all over the world and see and hear so many different situations, learning styles, ways of explaining things, that they just bring a wealth of knowledge to every lesson they teach. Your teacher is always learning, too - that's what makes them so great - and seeing the coach work with you can help your teacher refine their teaching style to fit you even better than it already does!

4) Coaches are also a great resource for choreography. You can have them choreograph your next solo routine, or put together a cool sequence for freestyles. A coach can whip together choreography quickly, leaving your teacher the time to use the rest of your lessons to refine the technique and performance aspects of your routine. Save time by using the coach this way. And, as your dance ability grows, you can have another coach add to or adjust the routine in the future to keep it current and fresh.

5) You should take with every coach you can. Coaches all have different perspectives, different ways of teaching and explaining things, and different areas of concentration. You will learn something from each coach (just as you do from each teacher) and the result will be that you will become a well-rounded dancer!

6) A coaching lesson is like concentrated Orange Juice (thanks to Chris Lynam for this analogy). You take one lesson, and then your teacher will continue to use the material from that lesson for the next 10-12 lessons, taking a spoonful at a time and diluting the information as needed to make sure that you are mastering the greater concept. The student and the teacher are like sponges on the coaching lesson. The student's sponge will fill up quickly, and then the teacher will soak up the overflow - retraining the information for use in future lessons. It's getting 10-12 lessons worth of material in one shot. That is why it is imperative that your teacher is on the lesson with you and the coach. It ensures that you will get the maximum amount of material and impact from the coaching lesson.

7) Coaches are also great for introducing a new technique. Their wealth of experience can help make the initial introduction clear and easy, and your teacher can follow through with the finer points in your future lessons.

8) If you have a penchant towards the more competitive side of dancing, working with a wide variety of coaches can benefit you on the competition floor. You may notice at a Dance-O-Rama that the judges are often coaches we have brought into the studio. If you watch the judges, you can see them looking for different things. One judge may always look at footwork first, because they value that highly, another may look at the leg/hip action, while yet another may look for great posture or great presentation. If you have worked with all of these judges in coaching lessons, then not only will they have a familiarity with you, but they will also have each worked with you on different aspects of your dancing, again, making you that well rounded dancer that everyone enjoys watching.

Bottom line is: Coaching are worth it! They are a wise investment of your time and money because the return on them is so great and long lasting. The material you will learn in a coaching will not only have an immediate impact on your dancing, but will also have a lasting impact for may lessons to come. Take advantage of these opportunities whenever you can, I guarantee you won't regret it!

Amy Kasper
10 year veteran instructor and top teacher

The Top 7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Dance Studio

The top seven things to consider when choosing a dance studio.

1         1)    Are the instructors certified? By what governing body?

Certified Instructors are trained in their craft and understand the proper way to impart information to you and to eliminate bad habits from the beginning. There are various certifications available to dance instructors – the most credible being the World Professional Dance Teachers Association and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.  An instructor who has undergone the rigorous training required to become certified certainly demonstrates a level of commitment, passion, professionalism and excellence that will translate into your learning experience. But, be aware that many people like to claim titles and accomplishments. Examine those claims carefully.  If they say they belong to a society, that does not necessarily mean they have received any accreditation with that society. It may have no more meaning beyond a club type membership.  Also when someone claims to be a "Top Teacher",  keep in mind this is very relative to circumstance.  Some individuals claim to be "Top Teacher” or have “Numerous Awards" coming from a studio of a few staff members.  And the "top" could mean for one week’s teaching time.  When someone claims they have had training from top/world class trainers, make sure you clarify what they mean.  Sometimes this means they had a single coaching with a particular coach, and not that they have done or completed a training curriculum with those coaches.

2)   How many instructors are available for you to learn from, and does their schedule accommodate yours?

Learning to dance well requires consistency in your lessons. If your instructor becomes ill or injured, will the studio be able to supply you with an equally accredited instructor who can follow through with your program? Are the instructors in the studio on a full-time basis? Are the hours of operation convenient for your schedule?

3          3) Does the studio have a curriculum they can show you that outlines their method of teaching?

A good studio should have a scholastic approach to your learning; a system that makes learning the dances fun, fast and easy. When inquiring what curriculum they teach from, make sure you investigate what they are talking about.   If they were "trained" by a studio or company who has patented or trademarked their methods, and they are using that curriculum, they are violating federal trademarks and patents. Be on the lookout for a teacher who asks you “What do you want to work on today?” You are investing your money for a professional instructor to teach you a skill that you do not know. What would you say if your doctor looked at you and said “Well, it looks like you have a broken bone, how do you want to fix it?” Not very reassuring, is it?

4          4) Is the facility suitable with proper floors and a music system?

A dance studio should have a special floor that provides added cushioning for your joints as you dance. It also should be well lit, with an up-to-date sound system. Beware of dance lessons that are taught in a garage, living room, or other non-dance specialized space. The atmosphere of the studio should make you feel comfortable and at ease. The room should be equipped with mirrors to aid in your learning.

5        5) Does the studio provide you with clear cut cancellation policies and billing procedures, etc. in writing?

There is a lot of hype out there about contracts. Keep in mind that a formal, written agreement is used to protect the client as well as the business. It will help to avoid any confusion by having the policies and agreed upon services in writing.  When considering other options for dance lessons, keep in mind, if you are paying an individual, they are most likely considered an independent contractor by the IRS.  Therefore you may be legally responsible to issue them a 1099 after you have taken over $600 in services.   Check with your CPA and attorney to make sure you are covered. Cheaper doesn't necessarily mean lawful. And you most certainly want to make sure your hobby is not putting you in jeopardy with the IRS. If you are paying a studio, they are responsible to pay taxes, and no 1099 is necessary. However, if a studio has not provided you with an enrollment agreement, they have no legal obligation to provide you any service, and could claim your money was a gift. It would be nice to believe this would never happen, however it has.  The FTC governs the practices of franchises and monitors them.  Accountability is a good thing for the consumer. Also, find out if the facility offers refunds and under what circumstances. Also, ask  about the longevity of the studio. How long have they been in business and how long have they been at the current facility? Unless you feel totally comfortable with the studios policies, or are dealing with a franchised studio, do not pay for an exorbitant number of lessons up front.

6           6) Do the instructors / management help you to set realistic goals and follow through on helping you achieve those goals?

Search for a dance facility that feels more like a school than just a place that gives lessons. Look for a studio that offers private lessons, group classes, and social dance sessions. Notice if the instructors appear to work well as a team? Do they communicate and listen well? Dancing well takes time, and a professional staff will help you understand just how long it will take you to reach your specific goals.

7)  How many other studios are there where you can use your lessons?

If you travel, move, or otherwise, does your studio allow you to transfer your lessons to another location? How many other locations do they have? Does the company have a standard and system of teaching that allows you to continue your learning in another location without missing a beat? Although this may seem like a small thing to consider, many jobs today are transient and it can be nice to have one thing that stays the same in a world of change!

Remember: you are investing your money into dance lessons and into yourself.

Do not make your decision based on price alone, you often get what you pay for. Many independent instructors like to make claims they cannot substantiate. Buyer beware. Know what and who you are getting. If someone is no longer part of a credible organization, it may be for a reason you had not considered. Ask yourself, do you want to purchase a teacher's time, or a curriculum and proven-trademarked method of learning and accomplishing your dance goals?   The answer is not the same for every individual.

See if the studio offers a sample lesson so you can make an educated decision based on experience.

Do not be afraid to ask these questions. A good studio will not shy away from answering your questions thoroughly and without hesitation. 

Protect your investment by choosing wisely the first time.

Arthur Murray Plano Group Class Calendar for April 2013

Arthur Murray Dallas Group Class Calendar for April 2013

March Group Class Calendar for Arthur Murray Dallas