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Originally Posted by DavidJames In addition, taxi dancers aren't trained teachers, so the consolidation classes themselves are less effective than they could be. |
a class not being taught by a teacher is a scary concept for me.
as a student I found consolidation classes the most important class I attended - as it was smaller and I had the chance to ask questions if something wasn't feeling right and the teacher also had the opportunity to teach some finer technique points as well. These classes were taught in a seperate room and had music and everything.
As a teacher I find consolidation classes the most challenging and the most rewarding - they are challenging as I have students from the first timer to those about to leave the saftey need and head for intermediate. the Challenge is to make the class easy enough for the 1st timer as well as the beginner. Ours take place in a seperate room and have music and everything - and in addition to covering that nights moves we answer questions, offer advice and tips on how to use the moves, make the work better. I find these classes the most rewarding as a teacher as you really get to see the light blub's come on for people when things start to click - also it is more personal than teaching from a stage and I get to know the students more as individuals - sadly i struggle to remember anyones name though
The format for our consolidation classes is - cover basic hand hold and stepping - ie no thumbs, little steps etc, then cover the moves taught that evening answering questions etc - during this time will also teach a fundamental linking it's application to the one of the moves from the class, & or same basic spining technique - once all moves are covered then link them together - getting them to dance through the looped moves 2-3 times - both calling the moves out, counting them in, and start in your own time. And then is the speil of the best thing you can do is go out their and dance and most importantly Smile. At this point the intermediate class has finished and everyone troops of to the floor for a dance.
the exact structure of a consolidation/revision/progression class varies in Australia depending on the state, company and location - but the premise seems to be the same all over - it's a chance for students to consolidate what they have learnt that evening and ask questions of a teacher.