Teaching Tap
Hannah Elton: Graduating Year of 2020
Expectations
Before the experience, what did you think would happen?
Before beginning assistant teaching, I was nervous about what the kids would think of me and if they would respect me the same as they would the teacher. Going in to something new can always be scary and there were definitely times that I second guessed myself and did not think i would be a good role model to the kids but once i got started i was definitely glad that i did it. As i began this new opportunity, I was not really sure what it was going to be like; would i get to help choreograph, critique and so many other things. I did not know what to expect at all for the few weeks leading up to it. However, I am very glad i decided to go for it and give it a try because it is so much fun.
What did you expect to gain from an educational Stand point?
I expected that I would gain a lot from this experience. I expected to learn a lot about what all go in to choreographing a dance and making it stage ready. During this experience i also expected to learn a little bit about critiquing the dance and how to deliver the critiques in a nicer way that would not hurt as many feelings. I also expected to learn how to have patients with little kids even when you may be upset because they will always be very excited to be there and you do not want to ruin that for them.
What new knowledge did you hope to gain from this experience?
Through this experience, I hoped to gain choreography skills and the ability to choreograph a dance in the matter of a few days if needed. I also hoped to gain the ability to critique routines quickly and effectively to get them stage ready fast.
What new relationships did you form from this experience?
I formed so many more relationships throughout this journey that I would have ever thought that i would. Not only did i get closer to the teacher I worked, I got closer to both the kids and the other teachers around the studio. This experience has brought me closer to so many people i did not expect it to and I am so glad for that.
How do you think you would benefit from your involvement?
Personally, I was not exactly sure how I would benefit for this but today, I can say I have benefited greatly. I have had the opportunity to help choreograph and critique dances and I would have never thought that I would get that opportunity. I thought that i might get to watch and see how it is all out together but I would never thought that I would actually get to be a part of creating a dance.
