High school. For many, it’s a whirlwind of self-discovery, awkward phases, and the quest for identity. It’s also where passions ignite, and for many, that passion is dance. My own high school journey saw me transform from a preppy 80s stereotype to a goth enthusiast, all while rediscovering my childhood love for dance. It was in high school, under the guidance of Rosemary Doolas, that I realized dance wasn’t just a hobby; it was my path. This realization led me to a career dedicated to sharing the transformative power of dance with high school students.
Illinois boasts a surprisingly robust landscape of High School Dance programs. While many assume dance is purely extracurricular, around 30 to 40 schools across the state integrate dance into their daily curriculum. These programs range from single part-time instructors to comprehensive departments with multiple full-time dance educators. Beyond the classroom, countless Illinois high schools offer extracurricular dance activities, from competitive dance teams and orchesis companies to specialized clubs exploring breakdancing, Latin dance, and improvisation.
This vibrant environment underscores the immense potential of high school dance programs. Having taught in various high schools and served as Chair of the Illinois High School Dance Festival, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact dance has on teenagers. As educators, our mission is to cultivate this potential, making dance accessible and engaging for all students. Below are key insights gleaned from years of experience teaching modern dance and other genres within the high school dance curriculum, aiming to create thriving programs that resonate with today’s adolescents.
Understanding Your High School Dance Students: Know Your Audience and Build Relationships
Teaching high school dance requires a deep understanding of adolescent psychology. Teenagers are navigating intense self-awareness and emotional landscapes. They are also incredibly diverse in their dance backgrounds. You might have seasoned dancers training at studios alongside students completely new to movement. The challenge lies in captivating both ends of this spectrum. The advanced ballet student preparing for competitions has vastly different needs and anxieties than the beginner self-conscious in their first leotard. Sensitivity is paramount. Understanding your students’ individual starting points is crucial to avoid alienating potential dancers who could blossom within your program.
Building strong relationships is equally vital. High school is inherently social, and teenagers respond to educators who connect with them on a personal level. Investing time in getting to know your students as individuals fosters trust. And trust is the bedrock for pushing boundaries and exploring more profound aspects of dance.
I make it a point to share personal dance anecdotes with my classes weekly. This humanizes me, showing them I’m not just a teacher but also a lifelong dance student. Sharing glimpses of my life outside the studio, like family stories and photos, further strengthens these connections. It allows students to see me as a relatable person, not just an authority figure, fostering a more supportive and engaging learning environment in the high school dance classroom.
Crafting an Engaging High School Dance Curriculum: Give a Little, Get a Lot
Adolescence can be a challenging period, and for many students, high school is simply a hurdle to overcome. Dance class can be a sanctuary, a place of joy and self-expression. I firmly believe in incorporating fun into high school dance education. My own love for dance stems from its inherent enjoyment. This “fun-ness” is where creativity flourishes and self-expression becomes possible. Yes, dance demands discipline and hard work, but the satisfaction derived from overcoming challenges and expressing oneself makes it all worthwhile.
It’s a misconception that fun equates to less learning. Fun is not the antithesis of rigor; it’s a powerful catalyst for engagement. By allowing students to experience the joy of dance, we tap into their intrinsic motivation. When students perceive your genuine passion and investment in dance, they are more likely to connect with you and the art form itself. Dance class can become a highlight in their day, a positive and stress-relieving outlet.
A well-rounded curriculum is also essential. While my personal passion lies in modern dance, I recognize that it’s not universally appealing, especially initially. For many high school dance students, modern dance is a completely new concept. My approach is to introduce modern dance within a broader introductory course before offering specialized classes.
As students begin to grasp modern dance as a form of personal expression, their interest in deeper study often grows. However, a comprehensive high school dance program should also incorporate dance styles students are already familiar with and enjoy. I love teaching hip hop and jazz because these were my entry points into dance as a child. There’s always more to learn, even in styles students “think” they know well. I value hip hop and jazz as much as modern dance; my personal preference for creating and performing leans towards modern. It’s important to remember my own high school experience. My teenage desire to be different drew me to modern dance.
However, most high schoolers are striving to fit in, seeking safety and acceptance as they explore their identities. Offering a diverse range of dance styles provides this sense of safety and choice. High school dance programs should expose students to various genres, allowing them to discover their own passions and pathways within dance. Our role as educators is to guide them on this journey of exploration and self-discovery.
Maintaining Perspective: Don’t Take Yourself So Seriously
Perhaps the most universally applicable lesson for high school dance educators is: don’t take yourself too seriously. This extends beyond the classroom and into life itself. Teaching teenagers requires humility, adaptability, and a sense of humor. Remember, you are guiding young individuals on their dance journey, and creating a supportive and encouraging environment is paramount. Embrace the unpredictable nature of adolescence, celebrate their triumphs, and offer gentle guidance through their challenges. By fostering a lighthearted and approachable atmosphere, you create a high school dance program where students feel safe to take risks, explore their creativity, and ultimately, thrive.
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