In response to the request made in a previous thread about what makes a good student I would like to give my opinion. I am a private instructor (and no I didn't just start dancing 6 weeks ago at a chain studio---I've danced, competed and performed all over) and this is a small list of what I like to see in a student. BTW I teach at an independant studio and have no pressure selling or promoting tactics to adhere to..
1. Someone who can articulate what they expect to get from private lessons, and how long they want to take to reach it. If someone only wants to social dance then they shouldn't be wasting time or money on the more technical aspects of a dance. Sometimes I tell students who are unsure about long they want to take lessons I'll suggest we go for a certain number of weeks and then reevaluate and go from their. This give the teacher a better idea of how to use the time. (also makes number 4 easier)
2. If an explanation of a step or technique is unclear, please say so, and keep saying so until it becomes clear. Again, why waste money on things you do not understand.
3. Do not expect to learn the trickiest step you saw last week at a dance. A good student will allow the teacher to start at the beginning with the basics--even if that means you never move past the basic step for a while. A good foundation is key and will save you from a lot of future trouble
4. Be honest. If you feel things aren't going the way you'd like, or you want to try a different teacher, just say so. High school is over so no guilt, no sneaking around to avoid one another. Be grown up and just say it how it is.
And last...
5. My favorite students to teach are the ones who want to take the time to discipline their bodies (not just their feet) to dance correctly. Dancing isn't a list of steps you've learned somewhere. It's a series of invitations and responses between a man and woman all made with the body. And once you acheive that, dancing feels awesome!
This isn't comprehensive, but a start. What about other teachers?
