As a dance educator, I am passionate about teaching adult dancers because I enjoy celebrating the unique journey each dancer brings to the classroom. Many dancers, like me, did not begin dance at an early age and would like to be taken seriously in the classroom. Often, adult dance classes regardless of level are grouped in a class with teens ages sixteen or even fourteen and up. This is problematic because the teacher’s attention goes to the younger, more promising dancer. That is why it is important for me to create a welcoming all-adult space so I can guide each student through offering constructive criticism and give them an understanding of how their bodies work.

Many adults experience challenging times as they navigate their lives. Work is stressful, the commute is exhausting, friends are growing apart, things are expensive, and kids and pets can take the remaining energy that person may have left. I provide a safe and welcoming environment so that they can focus on who they are as a person without the weight of the daily burdens they may face. It can be scary for an adult to try something new or something they have not done since childhood. They may feel intimidated, insecure, or even just stiff or out of shape. This is why I provide an inviting and welcoming class to help my students feel better about approaching something new. This is accomplished by separating classes by experience level, so students do not feel intimidated, taking the time to answer questions, and by setting a bit of time for students to bond with each other. My students will leave class feeling energetic and ready to begin their dance journey.

While I do believe providing a welcoming environment is important, this is not to say my class is without constructive criticism. It is essential that dancers learn from their progress and correct when necessary. Constructive criticism is one of the most often omitted tools from the typical adult class. Students will gain validation and confidence with my approach to guide each dancer as if they are all planning on auditioning at a professional company.

Another tool often omitted from adult dance is learning about body placement and alignment, which I believe is the most crucial tool in adult dance. Most adult bodies have poor alignment due to sitting and slouching at work or walking incorrectly. I teach my students basic anatomy, so they understand how everything in the body is connected. My students put this into practice in their daily lives by correcting their posture in their daily lives. Dancers learn their alignment by repetition and correction so that they may safely explore their movements with like-minded adults.

Dance educators have the power to shape the minds of a variety of students. Adult students should receive the same style training and attention as the younger dancers since they are there out of their own free-will. Adult dancers can be the most eager and willing to learn. Dance class is not simply moving to music and my students will learn all the other elements it entails. It is my job to welcome each adult dancer, no matter their level of experience, and provide constructive criticism and basic anatomy for them to take their dance journey to the next level.