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New instructor
So I just got hired at a new pole studio as a pole instructor. My first class is on Monday. I'll pretty much be learning on the job, while the head instructor helps me out during my first classes. I'll also be taking a certification class soon and i'll be starting with teaching just the lower level classes first to ease into it. do any of you ladies who are also instructors have any tips for a new instructor. i'm super nervous and excited!
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6 Replies
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If you type instructor into the search bar there are LOTS of really good threads on it. One I think you should read is this one. It covers a few years worth of information and how things have changed in the last few year.
https://www.studioveena.com/forums/view/Becoming_a_pole_instructor_2009-11-06_135303
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K thanks chemgoddess
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PolePrincess89: Wow, do u know the owner really well? That’s pretty sweet getting hired w/o experience, I’m assuming that since u said u will be learning as u go on the job. I’ve been dancing for 7 years, actually taught myself everything believe it or not just by screwing around on the pole day after day. I’ve been an instructor for 2.5 yrs now at 2 studios. That’s awesome that someone gave u a huge opportunity like that. Some people who have been in it 4 years & years won’t even get hired w/o certifications. But remember, being able to do the tricks & being a great dancer does not in any way, shape, or form mean you can teach others how to do it. It’s not as simple brained as it may seem to instruct & show students how to do it correctly. You really need to be able to relay to the students exact body positions, contact, which muscle r actually bearing the brunt of each trick, which tricks & dance moves work a targeted area people want to work on. There really needs to be a lot of prep work b4 each class to make a lesson plan 4 that day’s objectives. Also, u have to be able to alter ur lessons at the drop of a hat to cater to the group’s needs/wants. Most of my students come to each class regardless of the class or level it is intended for. So, if my schedueled class is Abs pole camp but the majority of my students want to work on tricks, then I’ll cater to the girls who came 4 Abs & also 4 the ones who want to work on tricks. You never tell a student that you are not going to help them learn what they r paying to learn, unless of course they are not at that level which could make it risky to their safety. What I’m trying to say is that you will have to be able to multi task without getting anxious or frustrated. I’ve taught classes with 16 girls b4 and everyone’s needs were
met. I don’t want to scare you, I am simply just letting you know what to expect while teaching so you are fully prepared. And copying someone else’s teaching style is not going to work since everyone approaches teaching & tasks differently. Also, many of my students come to learn pole bc they want to learn how to dance sexy for their men or just bc they want to feel beautiful & confident. So, i spend a lot of time teaching them how to dance & take my routines from the club & show them how to put *everything* together: tricks, spins, holds, transitions, floor work, dance, etc. So it not all about teaching tricks which would get old really quick! I wish u good luck and hope it works out 4 u! -
congrats on the gig, I know you in good hands there!
One thing Ive always wanted to do when I became an instructor was to write down on the mirrors what we are working on in class today. You can get those crayola window markers and write on the mirrors. They come off with Windex when your done.
Words of encourgement to your students is good too. Im all about the positive encouragement when im uneasy about some moves.
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I'll see you there! I'm teaching right after you.
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@pole4mysoul: thanks for all the great advice. i will keep all those things in mind. i actually used to go to a pole studio that was really strict about levels and sticking to what was supposed to be taught in each class. they were really strict about most things, actually, but they could get away with it because they were such a popular studio. at the studio i'm teaching at, they are much more laid back and still new and trying to establish a name for themselves so, like you said, i will probably end up changing alot of my lesson plans, depending on who's taking the class…. i actually didn't really know the owner that well, but i just starting coming in for class and she loved my style of dance. they were also looking for instructors and i was very eager to take the opportunity.
@mini: those are some good ideas. you would make a great instructor cuz you have such a positive attitude and enthusiasm! and i agree that words of encouragement are very powerful in helping ppl with the learning process. that's actually what made me fall in love with the pole studio i'm teaching at now. the ladies were so positive and encouraging that i felt like i could do anything. i was at a point in my pole dancing where i had hit a plateau in my learning, but after i starting going to the new place, i got over that hump and started to improve again.
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