Guys are so much fun to teach! We all know that getting young men into your dance studio is a wonderful thing. They bring a whole new dynamic to your classes. This can include a new level of challenge for both the boys and the girls because each works so differently, naturally excelling at different things. It also brings a new level of social interaction to your group. The relationships between your students in and out of the classroom can become quite different when both males and females are in the mix. Our goal as teachers is to get all of our students to reach their fullest potential in all manner of speaking. Happy and challenged students make hard working ones. Hard working students are generally successful ones. How can we keep those guys motivated and coming back for more? Here are 5 ways to get the most out of your boys.
1. Push them. Men respond to strong leadership. Picture a slew of young men in practice on the football field... testosterone pumps, grunts and hollers echo through the air and sweat pours. The boys thrive on this. Coach isn't asking politely for what he wants. He's firmly, and often loudly, telling them what they must do. In the classroom we tone this down, of course. But the concept is the same. Push the guys to do more turns, higher leaps, and have better extensions and they will deliver!
2. Teach them to move like a man. Modify movements, particularly in ballet and lyrical, to compliment their bodies and keep them looking masculine, all while expecting them to create beautiful lines. Straighter arm lines and different use of the hands, hips, and heads are often required. Remember that men naturally move differently than women. They carry their centers differently and find strength from different places. Because of this, you will have better results if you are open to boys sometimes using a slightly different technique for movement. For example, they do better with wider and deeper turn preparations than your girls would take. Use their natural power as a tool and get them soaring like a man!
3. Leave "for a guy" out of it. "He's pretty flexible, for a guy." Or "That was good, for a guy." Yuck. Expect all of your students to be talented, successful and happy and they will be.
4. Showcase them. Although we want to showcase all students as much as possible in performance, use your men differently. Along with performing right alongside the gals in group moments, they can partner, play characters, do "tricks" and bring a new magic to your performances. Boys tend to take the limelight very seriously. As you would for your female star, cheer the guys on in rehearsal and give them lots of praise for their special moments. They love it and will want more!
5. Promote chivalry. Young men can quickly become minor celebrities in your studio. Do not let this go to their heads. Teach them to let the ladies ahead of them in line at the drinking fountain, to hold doors for everyone, to thank their partners each time they dance, etc. Men should go across the floor last when doing combinations from the corner. One benefit of this is that it shows respect for the girls. When the boys hold back and politely gesture the girls forward in line, it's akin to the guys throwing their coat over a puddle for the ladies to bourrée over.
Men are an asset in the studio. When young men in your audience see the ones you put on stage looking strong, having fun and getting lots of positive attention, they will want a piece of the action too. When they decide to give it a try, keep them inspired and improving with these 5 ways to get the most out of your boys!
By Amber Keeley; Ballet Instructor, Dancer, Choreographer
Copyright ©2011 Amber Keeley
Amber Rosah Keeley has been a ballet teacher and an award winning choreographer in the Twin Cities metro area since 1993. She is currently the School Director at Out on a Limb Dance Company & School http://outonalimbdance.org/, a St. Paul non-profit arts organization, and the ballet coach for the national champion University of St. Thomas Tommies dance team.
Amber is available for master classes, interviews, private lessons, workshops and judging positions at amber@outonalimbdance.org.
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