Instructor woes

Sinnamon started this discussion · 4/12/2011

Hey ladies. I need some advice. I have a girl in my level one beginner class who is extremely out of shape ( very thin build, may even have an eating disorder) she is uncomfortable with some of the moves - Sometime she will just stop and won't even try The moves even if I break them down for her. Unless I am doing the routine right in front of her so she can watch me she won't do it. It's taking up a LOT of my time and the other girls advance much faster. It was hard already and she missed a class today so I can only imagine what the next class will be like.... I've tried a variety of things to encourage her but I am at a loss. If she wants to continue on do you think it would be okay if I said I think she needs private lessons before she can take the next level? What would you do??

10 replies

Fallen Angel · 4/12/2011
maybe you could ask her why she won't attempt anything, is she scared or does it hurt? etc then try explain to her that you are there to support everyone equally and as much as you would like to helo her individually, you can't spend the whole lesson with her, especially if she's not even trying. Then suggest some private lessons to help get her on track? I don't know how I would actually say it, you wouldn't wan't to hurt her feelings. Good luck :) :)
moonflower · 4/12/2011
Why not have her take the level again? It takes some poeple longer and it's okay to retake a level. But mention private lessons to her anyway and if she likes that then go that route. SHe might be feelign dejected becuase other girls are ahead of her, tell her it's okay because people progress at different levels.
Sinnamon · 4/12/2011
I let my classes know that veryone progresses differently quite frequently. But maybe I'll just add that in again when I talk to her. It's so touchy. Thanks for the response so far. Taking the class again might be a good idea.
Sinnamon · 4/12/2011
As a side note when she wasn't there today other girls actually expressed how frustrating it was.
Madfelice · 4/13/2011
My instructor always says you need one time through a level to learn what it is about and a second to get it right at least. You could tell that to your class maybe, and indicate that there is no shame in doing a level over again if things are difficult. Mention the option of private lessons to the class in general, don't look straight at her or anything, but word it so that she knows it is a good option for her, just don't single her out. Bottom line is though, that you are the teacher of the class and if you don't feel it is right for her to go up, you have to indicate that to her. It will do her more harm that good to go up when she is not ready to.
Charley · 4/13/2011
Sometimes they are just standing around because they realized pole dancing isn't for them and they;ve paid for the classes which are non refundable. Sometimes they just need more breaks. Sometimes they're overwhelmed. I teach multi level classes which means without notice I might have a new person who has never touched a pole before in class - they need to be taught everything but so far my students are great when that happens - they like to pitch in and encourage new people and make them feel successful - I think that makes the real difference when someone is so far behind the others, I have a girl with me today who started almosft 2 years ago and everything has been a big struggle for her and she's been in classes with less experienced dancers who have been able to pick up on things quicker but she's still here. :) And rocking out! Talk to her first, I usually don't offer privates because they are so expensive and I don't want someone to feel like they have to pay a ton of money to do pole dancing. Just see what's going through her head, see if she likes the classes. If she does then maybe just let her watch and go at her own pace - she'll get there if she likes doing it. Maybe getting the class to cheer her on will help too. Maybe find a way to have everyone make her feel wanted and accepted into the class.
amy · 4/13/2011
sometimes you have a student who is so scared of failure and scared of looking stupid that she won't do anything while people are watching. sometimes they don't want to be the only one in class who doesn't "get it". sometimes they don't want you to see them and make them feel like theyr're doing it wrong. i would approach her either in person after class or via email and ask her how she likes the class, if there's anyting yo ucan do to help more, mention that she doesn't seem to be as into class as she was in the beginning, whatever, just to open a dialogue and let her know that you care and are invested in her and want her to have fun and feel good about class. i'm sure she realizes that she is very far behind, and not doing as well; she may very well have skipped the last class on purpose.
Sinnamon · 4/13/2011
Thanks ladies that's really helpful....I'll let you know how it goes next week. I am so glad I found veenas forum. I think doing multi levels is a great idea! Maybe I will do that if she carries on. She could stay at a level one and shed feel more advanced and the other girls could continue to progress. Then if it does click se could move onto level two.
Sinnamon · 4/13/2011
Thanks ladies that's really helpful....I'll let you know how it goes next week. I am so glad I found veenas forum. I think doing multi levels is a great idea! Maybe I will do that if she carries on. She could stay at a level one and shed feel more advanced and the other girls could continue to progress. Then if it does click se could move onto level two.
Sinnamon · 4/13/2011
Charley, in the case of doing multi levels are you teaching both classes to the same song or do you just do skill buildig with them?