How to take swing dance class like a pro

Dance classes are a tremendous gift for those who want to learn. Dancers should be paid royalties like musicians for their incredible talents. People ask me often what classes they should take and from whom. My typical response is, “what do you want to learn, and are you ready to be instructed?”

They normally give me the same answer followed by a “yes I’m ready.” They then ask me what my secret is in learning so quickly, and want to have the same formula and approach to help them in their dance journey.

I then remind them that there is no such thing as an insignificant moment, and to be ready to approach class sessions with the perspectives I’ve listed below, if they want to get the results that I continue to gain from classes.

Student approach

Taking class as a student almost seems like a pointless statement, however there is a certain perspective I’ve used for many years that has rapidly accelerated my learning curve.

Years ago I taught a class to a group of students who could not hear. I was terrified to teach them at first. However, within minutes of my instruction I noticed a significant difference between how they looked at me as I taught, compared to other students who could hear perfectly.

They had developed an amazing skill to listen with their eyes. No matter what was happening in the room, the students gazed at me with a fixed intensity that made me feel simultaneously appreciated and intimidated .

People are fighting for attention and when you give it to them willingly, they will appreciate you more. As a student, if you do this you will bring the best out of the teacher in your favor.

Some may call it brown nosing, but I like to call it showing your gratitude for the teachers gift. Any time someone is sharing valuable information listen more with your eyes, and ask questions less.

If everyone listened with their eyes more, the teacher would be able to show more and talk less. Would you rather read about riding a bike or ride a bike? Would you rather describe the color red or show it?

If I have a question, usually it’s because I couldn’t see what the instructor was doing or I missed what they said, or simply needed an additional “view” of what they were showing. Most of my questions are answered when I began to listen more with my eyes.

That class I taught to my deaf students learned the shim sham in 15 minutes! Much faster than any other class who could hear me loud and clear.

Teacher approach

Many students tell me that they don’t want to take a certain class because they are familiar with the class title and or have taken a similar session before. “I’ve taken Charleston,” or “Oh, I took from that teacher last time,” etc….etc.

Most of us are familiar with our shower and deodorant, and yet we utilize both everyday.

Another dynamic approach that I’ve trained myself to use is taking class as if I’m going to teach the information. I use this approach for every class that I take, so that I can duplicate the dance more effectively. You may already feel you understand the information before you take class, and that may be true.

However, like musicians there are many different ways to play a melody, so absorb whatever you are learning from that perspective and add it to your dance repertoire. You can also look at taking the class as if you are the only person who is being given the opportunity to learn what you are learning.

Private approach

This approach helps me focus on me and the teacher, as if we were in a private session. If you were taking a private, most likely you would find a quiet spot in a room shut the door and hang on every word the teacher shared. You may not be able to do that in a class session because there are many people.

When I take class, I immediately remove all the distractions present in the room that have the potential to hinder my focus.

• I don’t destroy it, but my cell phone is turned off.
• I also limit my time talking whenever changing partners in class.
• I listen to the teachers before listening to a student who is also learning with me.

Giving your attention to someone who is also learning with you is a bad return on your investment. If I was getting surgery I would want to listen to the doctor and not an intern.

One of the things I do when students continue trying to talk is put my hands on my knees and lean forward with my attention toward the middle of the circle. I have yet to see someone lean over with their hands on their knees and continue to talk next to me.

In conclusion

When you take class you are investing not only in yourself but in the community. Others don’t know it yet, but are depending on you to inspire them into the social dance scene.

Begin with the end in mind every time you take class. I want you to be a master of this dance, so enjoy the journey, and try some of these success strategies to help you maximize your class experience.

You can do it!

Jamin Jackson

Jamin Jackson