[Photo credit: Jazzy Lemon]
I started Lindy Jazz classes back in 2007. A lot has changed since those early days, but when it comes to my teaching method, there’s one big difference.
I no longer ask my class participants to practise. I simply help them to practise if they wish to.
Yes, you read that right. All I ask is that they arrive to class in a good mood. By that, I mean receptive and ready to try new ways of looking at their technique.
That’s the secret to becoming a really good dancer, and it saves so much time!
Why Being Receptive Helps Your Dancing
So often, I see people coming to class feeling stressed from a hard day’s work or a stressful experience. They’ve been stuck in traffic. They’ve had an altercation with someone. Then they bring their bad mood to class and it makes it far harder for them to learn.
It’s not easy when you’ve had a bad day, but a simple shift in mindset to a receptive frame of mind makes it more likely that you’ll take in what you’re being taught.
Why Adult Beginners Don’t Learn as Fast as They Want To
When adult learners learn new skills, whatever they are, there are a few reasons why they might not learn as fast as they want to;
They Want to Run Before They Can Walk
We all live such busy lives and we want results fast. Learning how to dance properly, with finesse and skill, takes time. It’s the time you invest in the learning that pays off. But if you don’t take the time to learn the foundation skills, you’ll have to spend more time unlearning bad habits that you’ve picked up.
They Want to Be Perfect RIGHT NOW!
You’ve probably heard the saying ‘enjoy the process.’ However, so many of us don’t. We should be taking the time to enjoy each stage of learning, but we get impatient because we want to dance and we want to be perfect right now.
Get in the Mood and Be Receptive
I honestly don’t mind whether someone has done their dance practice or not. What I often feel sad to see is when people who don’t have the time to practice expect their new skills to fall into place immediately. When they don’t, they spend time over thinking, over analysing, or getting stuck in self-doubt. What would be far better is if they were aware of their mood and shifted their mindset to ‘I will give this a go, I’m willing to be patient, and I’m not giving up.’
Believe. Be Patient. Keep Going.
In my 30 years of teaching, I have noticed that it’s the people who are able to relax and be in a receptive frame of mind that have transformed the way they learn. They have achieved skills beyond their wildest dreams by discovering the secret to learning well; relaxing, letting go of worries, and letting go of concerns about making mistakes. Try it, and you’ll be amazed at how it transforms your dance practice.
Relax, Let go, and Learn to Swing Out with Lindy Jazz!
Join our new Swing Dance course and learn to dance with style & confidence.
Here’s What You Get:
✅ 6 weeks of live tuition with Joo-Lee & Andy;
✅ For all levels 19:30 -20:15 Lindy Hop Fundamentals;
✅ For Experienced Dancers 20:15 -21:00 Advanced Variations;
✅ Access to online videos to help you recap the moves in between classes;
✅ Access to private Facebook Messenger group so you can ask about anything!;
✅ Optional online feedback on your practice video.
Ready for the step-by-step guidance you need to dance with style and confidence at social events?