2 minute read
Teaching adult dancers in Europe
Carole Ann Watson, our International Representative for Europe, looks at how to make adult dance classes truly inclusive.
Reflecting on my recent studies for my MA has led me to consider inclusivity in the classroom in new light.
The journey into inclusion from a linguistic point of view has moved me to consider inclusivity from all angles: premises, safe spaces, in class, rapport with parents, even ensuring that there are more options of books and videos available in our library. We can always learn from our experiences, as well as from others, and on many occasions, we learn from our students.
Over the last two years, there has been an incredible increase in adults studying classical ballet across all age groups, the majority absolute beginners. This was the first time in my teaching career that I had to manage such a vast range of ages and abilities in an adult class. I found this challenging, but also extremely gratifying – adapting exercises and teaching techniques to suit the students has always been important to me, but now I am faced with many more interesting challenges.
I recently had a class of mature students who were eager to learn and passionate about dance, but there were also many physical difficulties in members of the class, and it was my job to make this learning journey enjoyable and functional for all involved. Throughout these classes, I was finding new ways to make the class inclusive, ensuring that each learner could move and enjoy dance whilst remaining within their comfort and safety zone. We would take an exercise and I would list the options for adapting it, so that each individual could take it as they wished. Adults who had never taken a ballet class before were now moving in time to the music and most of all enjoying this new experience. Some who had trained as children have revived their passion for dance, and are appreciating their ballet classes even more.
For me, adult ballet classes are something special, seeing that twinkle in their eyes while they find the sheer joy of dancing.
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