Minute Masterclass Episode 211

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’re moving to tip 3 for teaching choreography without teaching choreography, and it’s to perform for others. The more we practice performing for others, the more confident we become performing for others.  This does not include just performing choreography, but could be any aspect of class. You can split the group in half as they perform an exploration, have them watch a dancemate perform a skill, invite your front desk staff in to watch a group activity, invite another class in to show a combo, or offer caregiver observation opportunities. You yourself could be the audience as they perform an activity all by themselves.

 When we perform for others, we create an opportunity to teach audience etiquette, not only to your dance students but the caregivers you invite in to watch as well. Here at DiscoverDance, we teach audience etiquette with the word B.R.A.V.O. B- be respectful. R- remain still. A- always watch. V- voices off. O- offer praise. They are never too young (or old) to learn these important skills. 

 One note about inviting caregivers in to watch. Be sure to announce that you are inviting them in beforehand. This will avoid disappointed caregivers and dancers who missed the chance to watch and be watched.

 For more information, to enroll in the Foundations Course, or to join the DiscoverDance Experience, visit DiscoverDance.com.