the person i have had the most success with as an outside coach has no certification from any of the istd type of organizations. he has a teaching degree in secondary education. his ability to relate the knowledge he has from dancing for twenty years is far beyond anyone else that i have experienced many of whom have much more dance experience than he, he learned how to teach which is more important to me than anything else.

Oh, My Goodness! I have opened a gaint can of worms!! Because all the factors that are mentioned in earlier text, I now realize that it is like any other field of study/employment.
We have 4 different teachers,
#1 for fun/social dance (all types)
#2 Is a credentialed competition instructor
#3 is a Salsa/Latin that trains all over and just shares for fun.
#4 Is a Argentine Instructor (from NY)that is a Dr. friend of my Scotty Boy
Everybody, has something to offer us! For all different applications of dance, and varying reasons. Just thought there might be a credential/certification that is far superior. I can learn from anyone, almost anything, even if they are a dreadful teacher!! Thanks, All you guys, just rock!! It is awesome to know that any question, I might have (no matter how trivial)I can get a broad spectrum advice/opinions.(Even if you boys disagree.) Hugs for everyone, from Doll in Texas! Thanks, ScottyBoysDoll

You certainly don't need our help.

Looks like you're going to be fine.

Quit worrying about the quality of your teachers. With that many different instructors, you'll soon figure out which of them are good and which aren't.

Be careful and don't overdo it. I've seen many gung-ho amateurs overwork themselves into injuries.



jj

Ok, the last week in October we took totally off-no dancing! As far, as my teachers (all four) Just a example:
I was taught a basic bronze step, and the technique was not correct, so now the Comp. teacher came in and said this way is proper. So, Then I have to re-train my body & brain to correct it. I guess I just want to learn everything correctly from the start- so there is no correcting. I just wanted to see if there is a way to guarentee that the step is 100% correct w/ technique & all. I thought a good certified teacher would get it correct everytime! So,that is why I ask the original question-(50 replies ago) Is any certification better than another. Thanks, ScottyBoysDoll

Postscript: You boys sure can go off on a tangent. I love a lively discussion-you can really see how much knowledge you all have-and your personalities and passion for dance.

It's a very valid question.

If you queried all twelve finalists at a world professional championship about executing a particular figure, you'd get twelve different answers with lots of agreement as well as plenty of variances.

That's why ballroom is a judged event in competitions. As Terence would no doubt say, it's an art and not a science even though it can be "scientific."



"Passion for Dance"! What a lovely label for the can of WHOOPASS that I just opened on poor anymouse. He can't lead, you know.

Your graciousness always enlightens these boards. I wish that I had some.



jj

I think you are confusing "Qualifications", with experience .

Its fair to say, that no certif. guarantees quality teaching. As has been stated, it demonstrates product knowledge.

The skills of explanation and the understanding of why things do or do not work ( theory ) are not always present in all teachers . The majority of newly qualif. teachers are more apt to be technically adapt ( from the book ) but have not yet learned how to resolve more complex issues in a partnership .

As JJ stated, there are differing opinions on certain specifics in dance, and evaluating the right and wrong, can be confusing .

Dance is a science that becomes ( we hope ) an art form .

Let me pass on this piece of wisdom from a World class coach (Scrivener ).. he said ( ad hoc ) " dont get hung up on your feet and forget how to dance " .

I'm still right.

However, Terence's response raises a question. Is judging more scientific or artistic and should it be so?



jj

Well,I have never judged dance, but a little knowledge for you is: The judges sex will determine a lot.
The males are more scientific, God just made you like that. Male are the Leaders, Decision - Makers, and the Providers of Safety on the dance floor. Males brains rely on a strong since of right & wrong,thus most men have a perceived unquestionable integrity. He assumes responsibility of both people. So,when completing a figure, it is done scientifically.
The females are harsher judges! A lot harsher! Our brains see more in shades of gray, and really want a reason, and thus can explain a way mistakes a lot easier, we do not think in terms of "YES" or "NO", for us it could be a "Maybe"!! Females look at the over all package, more than males.
Both brains see asymmetry as beauty, beauty evokes a response in the endorphins flooding the brain that say "PlEASURE". "YEAH", More! More! Thus, asmmetry prompts positive judging.
I met Ole1Scotty Boy in college, then the children arrived, so I stayed home with them. I did not want to stop my medical studies, so for 26 yrs. he has brought me home articles,journals, & studies. They even have studies on judging when you are a sleep, and our body is on "Auto-Pilot". So,let me provoke more thoughts. Can nuture, over ride innate nature, How can that be applied to judging?
I would much rather dance for a room of male judges, I can open my eyes a little wider, (which is proven to be visually pleasing)bat my eyelashes, run my fingers, though my long hair. All while tripping over my own feet!! And probably get a awesome score. While a women judge would say, look she is falling all over her feet. She could have chosen a more flattering dress, for that style of dance. AND is is a tramp for flirting with the male judges! She is just trying to make points with the judges! She will be sleeping with them next!!!
Sorry, that is the way it goes!

When we started out we found a fully qualified instructor. His low key attitude and style of teaching suited us well. Until, we learned that this guy had not updated his skills in 13 years. Dancing has changed and we were taught to do things the old way. We had to re-learn and that was difficult. Not to mention how annoyed we were that we had spent good money learning obsolete techniques and steps. Yes, he was qualified and yes, he had lots of experience, but unfortunately his huge dance ego prevented him from progressing.

Ladydance. In my country when Dancesport was first formed there were these noble ideas that every few years a teacher was re tested. Also there was a clause that if you had been teaching for a number of years you would be accepted without a test. It was officialy called The Grandfather Clause. I remember saying then, that we shall see, and that pigs might fly,
I've always thought that if one belongs to a Dance Society it wouldn't be too hard to have ones credentials in a frame on the wall with the date clearly shown when the test was taken. Any later tests could also be showing along with the date. Would that be asking too much ???.