Dance classes in Port Orange dance studios are structured in a way that group together students of similar ages and levels, so in a perfect world, group classes would be enough for all dancers to learn at the same rate.
But, the world is not perfect! Sometimes, dancers might need the additional benefit of private lessons to really gain the skills they want and need to be great dancers. How do you know when your dancer needs private lessons?
Your dancer might need private lessons in order to catch up to their peers, to work on a particular skill, or if there is not a properly leveled class for their age and level.
On the other hand, a private lesson might not be worth it if your dancer isn’t already focused in class. In this article, we’ll cover both the reasons why dancers might need private lessons, and the reasons they may not be ready.
They Need To Catch Up To Their Peers
Port Orange dance studios try to place dancers in classes where each student will succeed. Usually, that means dancers of the same age and experience level will be grouped together. However, if a dancer started taking ballet later than their peers for some reason, they may need to play “catch up” in order to stay in that class. One way to help a dancer catch up to their peers is private lessons.
A private lesson to learn skills and terminology is a quick way to help a dancer feel more confident in class. If a child is behind their peers in terms of terminology knowledge in ballet, they will quickly fall further behind in their ability to execute the skills, which will then lead to a lack of confidence and excitement about dance.
In a ballet private lesson, for example, the teacher can spend extra time explaining steps to a student instead of having to move quicker for the benefit of the entire class. The teacher can also devote her attention to the small details of that student’s execution rather than trying to attend to everyone.
For dancers who need catch up lessons, it may only take a few times to bring them up to speed with the rest of the class.
They Want To Work On A Particular Skill
Social media plays a big part in why so many dancers want private lessons. Dancers see other kids doing tricks, turns, and jumps on social media platforms and immediately want to learn them.
While this is an exciting time to be a young dancer and be able to have access to so many other talented kids, it also fuels the desire to be hyper-focused on skills rather than class-taking.
Dancers want to learn the biggest and best tricks out there, and most of the time, class time isn’t (or shouldn’t be) spent on tricks. A private lesson can focus on training for multiple turn sequences or acro skills like aerials and back handsprings, or it can hone in on additional strength training, balance training or technique.
If your dancer is desperate for an aerial, and there is not a dedicated acro class at your studio, a private lesson focusing on the skills needed for an aerial your best bet for helping them achieve that goal.
There Is Not a Properly Leveled Class For Your Dancer
There may come a time when your dancer exceeds the level of their peers in a certain style, or when a style is not popular with other dancers. Take tap, for example. At some dance studios, tap is optional for younger dancers and then falls by the wayside as they grow up and it becomes less of a focus.
In that scenario, a dancer who happens to love tap and want to continue taking it may end up without a class at their level. This would be the prime time to request a private lesson.
How To Know When Your Dancer Is Ready For a Private Lesson
Private lessons can be hugely beneficial to dancers – that is, dancers who are ready for them. Here are a few ways to know when your dancer is ready for a private lesson.
- Is your dancer focused in class?
When a dancer can take a full technique class without getting distracted or complaining, they are probably capable of having that same focus in a private lesson. Remember, in a class setting, dancers are often taking turns, so there are many opportunities for distractions, getting bored, and not paying attention.
If you notice your dancer goofing off during another dancer’s turn instead of paying attention, they may not be ready for the intense focus it takes to take a half hour private lesson when they will be expected to be “on” the whole time.
- Does your dancer complain that they’re bored in class?
Sometimes, as in the case of there not being a properly leveled class for your dancer, boredom can certainly occur. Make sure you watch your child’s class to determine whether they are truly bored, or if something else is going on. The bored child may need the private lesson so they are able to progress at their own, quicker pace if the class’s pace is slower.
- Is your dancer preparing for an audition or special event?
If your dancer is auditioning for a performing arts school, the school talent show, or a show in the community, it might be helpful for them to have a private lesson on top of their other dance classes in Port Orange!
Individualized attention for special events can go a long way towards boosting a dancer’s confidence. In a group setting, it may not be easy for a teacher to give students the full attention they may need. A private lesson could be an easy way to get valuable feedback on audition material, a skill that they need help with, or just as a boost of confidence.
Private lessons can be a great benefit for students in many scenarios. Hopefully, with this guide, you will be able to determine if a private lesson is the best choice for your dancer!
Check this article out Three Ways to Improve Your Dance Technique TODAY!