Tips for Engaging Reluctant Dancers
by Marty Sprague
1. Start with simpler activities, such as "call and response" clapping to a song.
2. Engage students' prior experience by connecting dance movements to more familiar sports moves.
3. Have students repeat your movements or a partner's movements in an introductory movement game, such as a memory movement game.
4. Keep a movement or rhythm going while delivering directions-don't stop.
5. Use positive peer pressure by letting students select their own groups.
6. Use your stage presence and performance energy to keep dancers focused and engaged.
7. Give copious praise and encouragement.
8. Change your placement and students' placement in the room.
9. Be playful yet sincere. Smile.
10. If necessary, talk to students privately to explain class work.
