Minute Masterclass Episode 116

Welcome to your one-minute masterclass. I’m Andrea Trench, founder of DiscoverDance and creator of the Foundations Course for Early Childhood Dance Educators and the DiscoverDance Experience Membership. Today we are answering the frequently asked question: why is my dancer just standing/sitting and watching? 

How a child participates in class depends on their unique style of learning. According to the VAK (Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic) Learning Styles model, everyone processes information differently. Every dance class “looks” different because the dynamics of the children’s learning styles differ. Your child may be a visual learner. A visual learner will watch the teacher and classmates carefully to process the information being taught. Your child may be an auditory learner. An auditory learner listens carefully to process information. Visual and auditory learners may not move as much as kinesthetic learners. These learners process information by moving and doing. 

To avoid distraction in class, and for the safety of those who are attentive with their listening and watching skills, the teacher may ask them to stand or sit to the side. Rest assured, they will be invited to move with the class often and they are still learning. In fact, the visual and auditory learners often take what they see and hear and re-enact the entire dance class at home with their families! All learning styles are accepted, celebrated, and developmentally appropriate. For more information, to enroll in the Foundations Course, join the DiscoverDance Experience, or to find the text version of this minute masterclass, visit DiscoverDance.com.