Minute Masterclass Episode 62

Welcome to your one-minute masterclass. I’m Andrea Trench, founder of DiscoverDance. Today we are discussing the brain-based principle: Encourage Social Interaction. Anne Green Gilbert writes in her Brain-Compatible Dance Education book, “Students learn best through collaboration and peer coaching.” 

When it comes to our youngest dancers, we can encourage social interaction as a group coming together to solve a problem. For example, when exploring the concept of SIZE, I may ask all my dancers to create a big body shape. Once everyone has created a shape, I will describe each of them and point out their differences: Ryan is creating a shape stretched out on his back on a low level. Emily is standing on her feet reaching her arms in a big shape. Then, I will have them copy each other’s shape so they can experience different shapes that their classmates created. In addition, find opportunities where a student can lead the class or a classmate in an activity. Providing these social interactions is crucial for their development, helps build community, and creates a positive collaborative environment. For more information, visit DiscoverDance.com.