When dance lessons are adapted to suit the requirements of a specific group there is greater relevance in dance education and its application.

Here are 6 Valuable Tips while conducting Adapted Dancing workshops.

1. Empathetic Communication

Communication is a very important part of any dance education. Especially so in dance workshops in special groups. When addressing a session it is important to keep a clear and empathic tone to establish a sense of connection and care. Whatever the language of communication, maintaining appropriate eye contact provides the necessary connect of being spoken to in the session.

2. Simplicity of Steps

Breaking a pattern to teach by dividing it into simple steps or simplifying it all for every one by choosing easy to do steps makes it more relatable.
In case of dancers with balance issues it is necessary to initially modify / alter steps or reduce directional changes to suit these parameters and progress from there.

Ideally starting of with simply the foot work without working on the arm movements helps focusing on learning one thing at a time. The progression must be gradual in time.

Photo& Artwork credits Savvy Raj

3. Matter of Repetitions.

It is necessary to do a number of repetitive movements of the same steps in order for the muscle memory to form. Hence repetition helps more than switching to other movements.
Depending on the groups capacity to continue, taking a pause, interspersed with explanation or some motivation in between is also a good idea so that it does not get too challenging or monotonous.

4. Ease of Formations

There are different dance formations like the square circle and line etc. However conducting the dance workshop in circular formation is known to bring about a sense of community.
Adapting other dances creatively to this formation initially helps when the participants can see the instructors movements in the center.

5. Slower Music

Besides choosing appropriate songs even decreasing the tempo of the music aids in keeping up with the music Especially for new group of dancers and dancers with special needs.

6. Value of Inclusiveness

Most importantly ensuring everyone in the group is feeling included & addressed to, is positively impactful.

Coaching another and transferring skillsets is an art.

An art with responsibility!

Savvy Raj

Member International Dance Council