In
this class, I learned how to effectively plan and execute dance classes
for children. I learned how to organize the lessons based on units and
use BEST-R as a guiding principle for the types of concepts that are
useful for children learning to dance. I also learned how to prepare for
behavioral issues that may arise in a classroom while teaching dance,
such as a student being disruptive towards others, and how to deal with
that situation. It is important to be prepared for those instances, so
the education of others is not hindered by another student. I also
learned how to properly put together my dance teaching portfolio for
when I am looking for a job to showcase what I know, my past
experiences, and how I plan on running my classroom. Lastly, I learned
how to lead my very own dance class during the practice session. I did a
warmup, lesson, and assessment for a ballet class to replicate what
teaching a real class feels like.
One
thing I learned that I would apply to my own field is how to plan and
organize. In advertising, my major, I need to understand certain
elements, like where the ad will go and what will be on the ad that
needs planning. Although it is very different, the exercise we did in
class to plan the different units for our lesson plans can be used for
other topics. For whatever the case is, this is a useful planning and
organization tool that I can take with me into my career. Another way I
will apply what I learned in this class to my field is public speaking
skills. While I was teaching my dance lesson to the class, I had to
convey what I wanted the students to know in a clear and helpful manner.
I had to explain the dance moves and be able to answer any questions.
In advertising, often you must pitch your ideas to clients. It must be
clear and captivating enough so your audience, the client, can
understand and ask any necessary questions. This class helped hone those
public speaking skills and make me a better presenter.
During
the learning process I felt very informed and excited to learn new
things. I appreciate how Jorge uses the blog method to organize the
lesson for that day and posts all the materials, so the students have
access to the lessons. I also like how collaborative the class was and
how the environment was very friendly. I felt like I have become friends
with my peers in the class and worked with them frequently, whether
that be choreographing dances or sharing our thoughts. Each class, I was
happy to dance, talk with my peers, and continue to learn how to be the
best dance teacher possible.
6
The Role of Supporter and Mentor
My
main takeaways from the class is that there are many parts that go into
teaching and they are all so important. One main thing is to make sure
you have a lesson plan prior to the class, and it is also beneficial to
plan out the whole semester. This ensures that the class stays on task
and covers all the material needed in a timely manner. Having lessons is
also very crucial because if the teacher is out sick the sub will have
clear instructions on how to teach class and still stay on task. Another
key takeaway from the class is to make sure everyone feels included.
This is very important because if the student feels not included or
cared about they will not be in the mindset to learn and often can
misbehave. Ways to make sure they feel included is asking how everyone
is feeling before class starts to show you care.
I
felt very comfortable in our learning environment and felt like it was a
safe space. The teacher always checked in on his students and that made
us feel seen and put us in a good mindset to learn. Also when i was
teaching my class for my final i felt very comfortable which took a lot
of my nerves away and battered my performance. The space/learning
environment was safe (in the sense of being comfortable around others),
inclusive, and very fun. There was always good vibes walking into class
and the environment always made me look forward to class.
There
are many ways I can apply what I've learned in this class to my own
field of studies. My study is nursing, so the main way I can apply what
I've learned is the concept of making others feel welcomed and safe. I
will do this by checking in my patients, not only medically but mentally
and their mindset. While following code of ethics and not overstepping
my role as a nurse, it is very important to be the role of supporter and
mentor as a nurse. I will assess my patients well-being and do
everything I can to make them feel safe and cared for not just medically
but also emotionally.
7
A Sense of Community and Familiarity.
I
found this course very helpful in the context of learning how to teach
any kind of K-12 dance class. I also really enjoyed how students
received an extensive overview of the history of American curriculum in
general. One main take-away is that students learn best in a positive
learning environment, where creativity and authenticity are valued and
emphasized. Teachers should have respect for their students and treat
them as real people. Specifically in a dance class, students should feel
comfortable to experiment with movement, and a teacher is responsible
for creating an atmosphere where students feel free to do so. Also, a
teacher should recognize that students have different needs, and should
try their best to accommodate everyone accordingly and appropriately.
In
our learning environment I felt really comfortable to engage in the
class. The culture of the class encouraged open discussion, which I
appreciated. I also felt like Jorge was always open as a teacher to talk
before or after class about anything. I enjoyed how there was a point
of knowing everyone’s names in the class as well because it helped
foster a sense of community and familiarity. Expectations for students
were clear and defined, which was helpful, and made it simple for me to
understand what I needed to accomplish.
Before
this course, I never thought about the history of standardized testing,
or how curriculum changed according to social movements and societal
expectations. With learning that information, I was able to apply
universal teaching strategies to specific concepts of dance. I also
learned about all the various categories of dance class (BEST-R).
Understanding the importance of these different components helped me
understand how to design a unit plan for a dance class into smaller
lesson plans. Although I am majoring in Art History and Psychology, I
can still apply what I learned in this class when thinking about the
cognitive effects of teaching today, and throughout history.
8
A really
fun and engaging class
Kallen Wiley
The class was really enjoyable. I
liked the charades activity a lot because it helped everyone loosen up
and interact more.
I also liked how everything was organized ahead of
time, like the bag of options we picked from, which made the game run
smoothly.
The warm-up was great too and helped us get moving and
stretched out before starting the main lesson. Overall, it was a really
fun and engaging class.
9
Taking your dance class has taught me
so much more than just how to move my body. When I first walked in, I
thought I was only going to learn steps and routines. But over time, I
realized you were teaching us confidence, discipline, and how to push
through things even when they feel hard. Dance became a place where I
learned to believe in myself, not just as a dancer but as a person.
Another
thing that stood out to me was the way you built our classroom. You
never let anyone feel left out or less important. You made it clear that
every student mattered, no matter if they were a girl or a boy, shy or
outgoing, new or experienced. You taught us that fairness is not just
about giving everyone the same thing, but giving everyone the chance to
grow. Because of that, the class felt safe, balanced, and full of
respect.
Overall, being in your class has given me tools that I
know I’ll use long after the music stops. You showed us how to treat
others with kindness, how to support each other, and how to carry
ourselves with pride. Thank you for teaching me more than dance. Thank
you for teaching me real-life lessons that I will always remember.
10
More confident in what I learned
As
the semester comes to a close and I reflect on this class, I realize
how much I have learned and grown as a student, dancer, and now teacher.
This class exceeded my expectations and taught me more than I ever
expected. This class changed my perspective on how dance should be
taught. I was trained in a traditional ballet environment, and this
class taught me how the creative process and the foundation of technique
should be taught and delivered to kids in grades K-12. After completing
this course, I am confident in teaching a full-length class from
warm-up to cool-down. I am not only able to teach a class but also have
learned the methods of connecting with students as a teacher, coach, and
mentor.
Throughout
the semester, this class was always something I looked forward to. I
felt very spacious and comfortable in our environment. I constantly felt
supported and encouraged in this class by my peers and mentors. As the
course went on, I felt more confident in what I learned, and I felt
pushed at the end of the semester when we taught class. That was
something that would normally be out of my comfort zone, but I felt
encouraged and excited to teach in this course. This class has been a
place for me to feel grounded and encouraged while genuinely enjoying
what I am learning.
This
class will have a big impact on my career. In high school, I would
assist with teaching kids ballet classes. I gained a lot of experience
from that, but this class opened up my perspective on how dance should
be taught, and I will use that in my future, whether that's in my dance
minor or continuing to teach dance. I will also take what I learned in
this class to help me as a nursing major. Nursing is a very social and
interactive field. The skills I learned in this class will help me be
able to communicate with my patients, peers, and mentors in my future. I
am so grateful for the skills I gained from this course and will
continue to feel inspired by them.
11
Designing experiences that help people grow
Taking this dance class taught
me far more than just how to move. I originally expected to learn
choreography and routines, but I ended up gaining confidence,
discipline, and resilience. Dance became a space where I learned to
trust myself and push through challenges, both physically and mentally. I
also realized how much intention goes into creating a welcoming
environment where every student feels valued.
I developed a
stronger understanding of how dance is shaped by culture, history, and
human connection. We explored how different styles evolved and how
modern dance education has shifted toward creativity, exploration, and
student-centered learning. This opened my eyes to how important it is to
recognize diverse learning styles and adjust teaching methods
accordingly. Learning how to build a K–12 curriculum helped me
appreciate the balance between structure, development, and meaningful
movement. All of this showed me that teaching dance is about more than
technique it’s about designing experiences that help people grow.
The
most powerful part of the class was seeing how educators support
students of all abilities, especially those with unique physical or
learning needs. Watching teachers use strategies like VAKT, empathy
maps, and holistic planning taught me what intentional, compassionate
instruction really looks like. It reminded me that great teaching
requires patience, understanding, and the ability to meet people where
they are. Moving forward, I plan to apply these ideas to my future
coaching by adjusting cues, pacing, and communication to fit each
individual. This course strengthened my commitment to creating
supportive, inclusive spaces where every dancer or athlete can feel
confident, capable, and inspired.
12
A space to express my true self
One of my biggest takeaways from
class was that I really loved having a space to express my true self. I
learned how to instruct kids of a lot of different ages, and control
for behavior. I liked learning what my peers taught about. I liked the
BEST-R approach to teaching. It was helpful for planning units.
I felt very comfortable in the learning environment. I liked how there
was a lot of different personalities. I felt like I could be creative
and have fun. I liked it in the end when we were in the bigger classroom
doing more physical activities from the lessons. Overall, great class.
I am a Psychology and Criminology double major. I can use the holistic
teaching approaches to apply to my own life, in balancing school and
social life. The level of creativity dance possesses can be compared to
studying these sciences. Dance connects to psychology by supporting
emotional expression, stress reduction, and social connection through
embodied movement. In criminology, it can be used in rehabilitation and
prevention programs to build self-control, empathy, and healthier
behavioral patterns.
13
Creating
inclusive and supportive learning environments
During
this course, I gained a deeper understanding of how thoughtful,
creative, and inclusive teachers must be to create a successful
classroom. One major takeaway was the importance of structuring lessons
and units in ways that promote accessibility for all students.
Differentiation is essential so that all students, regardless of
background, can learn. I also learned how important it is to balance
expression with technique, so that students learn the foundation of
disciplines, but benefit emotionally and socially as well. Overall, the
course showed me how dance education can be a powerful tool for
community, confidence, and whole-body connection.
In
our learning environment, I felt supported and encouraged. The class
atmosphere was collaborative which made it easy to participate. I also
liked the structure of the class. I liked how we combined movement,
lecture and creative tasks. Overall, I felt that the environment allowed
me to grow in my confidence as an educator.
The
lessons from this course are relevant to my goal of becoming a Licensed
Clinical Social Worker. After I get my LCSW, I would like to open a
private practice specializing in creative arts therapies. Creating
inclusive and supportive learning environments in dance mirrors how I
will design therapeutic spaces where clients feel safe to explore
emotions and express themselves. Using creative expression will help my
clients process feelings, build self-confidence, and develop coping
skills. This course reinforced key skills I will need as an LCSW and
creative arts therapist, including empathy, patience, clear
communication, and intentional planning.
14
Able to
connect through dance and music
Throughout this course, I learned
that teaching whether in dance or any subject is never a one-way street.
It has to be individualized, personal, and inclusive for every student,
which means breaking away from the traditional “one size fits all”
approach. Historically, classrooms weren’t built this way, so it’s
important that we work to change that and create learning environments
where every student feels represented and supported. I also learned how
strongly mental health affects learning and how grounding exercises,
check-ins, and reflection can make a huge difference in a student’s
ability to participate. Another major takeaway was the importance of
building real relationships with students not just being a professional
figure, but someone they can trust, feel seen by, and feel valued
around. That kind of connection builds confidence and completely shifts
the energy of the classroom. I also gained a deeper understanding of
behavior management and how structure, consistency, and planning can
influence behavior in ways I had never considered. Lastly, I learned how
valuable it is to create a teaching portfolio and document everything,
because it provides evidence of growth and professionalism in your
teaching journey.
I felt incredibly comfortable in our learning
environment, and I think a huge part of that was because of our teacher.
His approach made the class feel safe, fun, and open, and when I taught
my final lesson, I really tried to mirror that same energy. I wanted to
make sure everyone felt validated, included, and heard just like I felt
during the semester. I also appreciated the diversity in our class; we
had athletes, med majors, business majors, artists, and everything in
between. Even with such different backgrounds, we were all able to
connect through dance and music, which honestly showed me how universal
dance and music really are. That sense of community made the class feel
like a shared space instead of a typical college course, and it helped
me step out of my comfort zone. Feeling supported made a huge difference
in my confidence as both a learner and an emerging teacher.
Even
though my main field of study is pre-med, everything I learned in this
class is still extremely relevant. In the medical field, I will
constantly be working with people from different backgrounds, with
different needs, personalities, and learning styles. The idea of
creating an inclusive environment, listening to others, and treating
everyone with equal respect is essential in both teaching and medicine. I
also learned the importance of checking in with people emotionally,
mentally, and physically which is something I can apply to future
patients just as much as I applied it to students. Understanding
behavior, communication, and the importance of personal connection will
help me become a doctor who actually listens and makes people feel seen.
I also learned how important organization, planning, and documentation
are, and those skills are absolutely transferable to every field
including medicine, where keeping accurate records and planning ahead
are crucial. This class showed me how much impact it has when someone
feels valued and understood, and I want to carry that into my
professional life. No matter how different people may be, creating a
safe and supportive environment is what helps them thrive, whether in a
dance class or a medical setting.
-------------------------------
Sources:
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2. How to be an inspirational leader in an ever-changing world. https://www.dynamic-presenting.com/blog/how-to-be-an-inspirational-leader-in-an-ever-changing-world/
3. 4 Engaging Classroom Activities that Promote Student Participationhttps://online.campbellsville.edu/education/engaging-classroom-activities/
4. Clear communication is the key to better personal and professional relationships. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/clear-communication-key-better-personal-professional-ben-inyang
5. 7 Useful Strategies To Plan Your Day Effectively. https://www.workast.com/blog/7-useful-strategies-to-plan-your-day-effectively/.
6. So, you want to be a mentor? https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20201028/so-you-want-to-be-a-mentor
7. What do our people need? A Sense of Community and Belonging. https://timetoplay.com/2016/12/30/what-do-our-people-need-a-sense-of-community-and-belonging/
8. Swing Step Your Way Into One of These Dance Classes for Adults. https://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/dance-classes-for-adults-in-boston/
9. One Stone. https://onestone.com/products/real-life-lessons-for-teens?srsltid=AfmBOorxhIHCSC4Y2vgu77W75hh6EeJR3-KQbng8U7ijZmjVqhz0M8sT
10. Let's Learn from the Top 10 Habits of Confident People. https://www.fearlessmotivation.com/2017/06/14/habits-of-confident-people/
11. Part 2 - How to Design Experiences that Help People Live and Work Better. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/part-2-how-design-experiences-help-people-live-work-mirit-cohen
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