The Art of Teaching Dance: Beyond the Steps
There’s an old adage that says, 'Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.' But in the world of professional dance, particularly on a show like Dancing With the Stars, the line between doing and teaching is blurred—and intentionally so. What makes this particularly fascinating is that the pros aren’t just performers; they’re educators, psychologists, and motivators rolled into one. Episode 6 of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro drove this point home in a way that was both revealing and, frankly, a bit humbling.
The Challenge: Teaching Superfans in 48 Hours
The contestants were tasked with teaching a ballroom routine to amateur dancers—superfans of the show, no less—in just two days. Personally, I think this is where the rubber meets the road for any aspiring dance pro. It’s one thing to dazzle on stage; it’s another to break down complex movements into digestible chunks for someone who’s never done a waltz or a tango. What many people don’t realize is that teaching dance isn’t just about the steps—it’s about building confidence, managing time, and adapting to your student’s learning style.
Take Nina Mayster, for example. She runs a dance studio and has years of teaching experience, yet she struggled to balance perfecting her partner’s posture with actually teaching him the routine. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a classic pitfall for even the most seasoned instructors: focusing too much on the details and losing sight of the bigger picture. Nina’s elimination wasn’t just about her teaching style; it was a reminder that even experts can overcomplicate things.
The Psychology of Teaching: Strict vs. Supportive
A detail that I find especially interesting is the contrast between Adele Zaikman’s strict, no-nonsense approach and AJ Pritchard’s calm, methodical style. Adele pushed her partner hard, piling on complex steps and demanding precision. While this worked for the performance, it left her partner, Anthony, feeling overwhelmed and underconfident. On the other hand, AJ’s straightforward instructions and focus on building trust with his partner, Bailey, resulted in a routine that was both technically sound and emotionally resonant.
This raises a deeper question: What’s the right balance between pushing someone to their limits and ensuring they feel supported? In my opinion, the best teachers know when to challenge and when to comfort. Adele’s approach might work for some, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all strategy. What this really suggests is that teaching dance is as much about understanding human psychology as it is about mastering choreography.
The Role of Creativity in Teaching
One thing that immediately stands out is how the contestants adapted their routines to their partners’ strengths. Selena Hamilton, for instance, incorporated a spin move for her partner, Jeremy, who was more comfortable with lifts and tricks. This wasn’t just a clever workaround; it was a way to make the dance feel personal and achievable for him. From my perspective, this is where creativity in teaching shines—finding ways to meet your student where they are while still staying true to the essence of the dance.
However, Selena’s routine was criticized for lacking enough quickstep content, which highlights another challenge: balancing creativity with adherence to the rules. It’s a fine line, and one that even experienced pros can struggle with. What this really suggests is that teaching dance isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about inspiring your student to embrace the art form on their own terms.
The Broader Implications: What Does It Mean to Be a Pro?
If you take a step back and think about it, this episode wasn’t just about teaching dance—it was about what it means to be a professional in any field. A pro isn’t just someone who excels at their craft; they’re someone who can share that craft with others in a way that’s accessible, inspiring, and effective. This is especially true in the world of dance, where the ability to connect with your partner—whether they’re a celebrity or a superfan—can make or break your career.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the show is redefining what it means to be a dance pro. It’s not enough to be a great dancer; you have to be a great teacher, too. And in a world where social media influencers and self-taught dancers are becoming more prominent, this skill is more important than ever.
Final Thoughts: The Miracle of Teaching
Shirley Ballas’s comment that what the contestants accomplished in two days was 'miraculous' really stuck with me. It’s easy to underestimate the power of good teaching, but when you see someone who’s never danced ballroom before glide across the floor with confidence, it’s hard not to be impressed. Personally, I think this episode was a masterclass in the art of teaching—not just for the contestants, but for anyone who’s ever tried to share their passion with others.
In the end, Nina’s elimination was a bittersweet reminder that even the most experienced teachers have room to grow. But as she said in her exit interview, 'I know my worth.' And that, to me, is the real takeaway: teaching dance isn’t just about the steps; it’s about valuing yourself and your students enough to help them shine.
So, here’s to the pros—the ones who can do, and teach, and inspire. Because in the end, that’s what makes them truly miraculous.
