Minute Masterclass Episode 212

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 our final tip for teaching choreography without teaching choreography, and it’s to build confidence throughout the dance season. Knowing our choreography in the class setting is one thing. Working through our nerves and having the courage to step on the big stage, is another. One of the best things we can do for our students of all ages is to teach them how to breathe. Being mindful of our breath and knowing when and how to use it will not only help them with their performance, but it will help them learn how to work through their fears to remain calm and regulated on stage and in life. This is why we incorporate breath into every class. We breathe deeply during our braindance warmup, after a heavy cardio activity, and during our resting portion of class. Even our toddlers learn how to breathe deeply. 

 Another fun way we can boost confidence is by having the class overhear you speak about their progress to others. When I peek out my door to invite an audience in, I always say something like “grownups, you would not believe how much these dancers remember their dance. You have to come see them.” I try to be sneaky, but not really. I want them to hear me but not know that I meant for them to hear me. This works with everything too, not just performance choreography. Try giving a caregiver a positive report within ears reach of their child. It will no doubt give them a boost!

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