Rachel12345 started this discussion ·
How does a mixed level class work? The studio I go to has 30 different stages so you're with people at the same level and all learn at the same time. A studio a bit closer to me has mixed level classes but I imagine they would be quite hectic and intimidating. With just the one instructor in with all levels how do they keep track of everyone?
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I teach a mixed level class, but it is specified in our class description that, for this class, you bring moves that you've seen/heard of and want to work on and I'll assist with it. It isn't so much a structured class like our level classes are. After warmup, I make rounds around the room taking turns assisting students. When in doubt, ask the studio! :-) Good luck!
jade s ·
I help teach a mixed levels class but there's 2 of us, and we split the class up. I've also taken a couple of mixed classes, and what they do is either teach a routine where the choreo is the same but the tricks are different based on a students ability, or teach part of a routine, and use part of the time working with each student indivually on tricks based on there level. I think it really depends on how many students there are. All of the studios I've been to limit their class sizes (8 - 12 students max). If you're at all concerned, I'd definitely ask your studio. The higher the student to instructor ratio is, the higher the chances that it could possibly compromise not only your learning experience, but also safety.
At the studio I used to go to (it closed down), every class i took was all levels. i really miss that! It was convenient because I could come in alot more often since there were more classes I could attend. I think it also depends on how you learn things. I've learned most things just from watching youtube and trying them either at the pole studio or at home. i'm a very independent learner in pretty much anything. for school, i would rather read from the book than listen to the professor's lecture. it also helped me develop my own style. i have heard from some of the less advanced students in the all levels classes that they were intimidated sometimes, but when i was just starting off, i didn't feel that way. i just tried to learn by watching other ppl and asking them and the instructor lots of questions. the good thing about an all levels class is that you can also learn from the people who are more advanced than you, without compromising your sagfety of course. you should never try something you don't feel ready to do. always ask the instructor if you should try a certain move or not. maybe have her spot you if it's safe. i say try it out and see if you like it. it's not as structured as a regular class and you might not even get a routine, so it really depends on how you approach it. i'm super shy so at first, i wouldn't say anything so i wouldn't learn much. the instructor would still walk up to me and ask me what i wanted to work on, but if i had been more vocal, i could have learned more. after a while, i got more comfortable and started asking lots of questions. i would tell the instructor about something i saw on youtube and have them explain or demonstrate how to do it. once i started doing this, i started learning alot quicker. well good luck! let us know how it goes
I have taken miamishyner's mixed level class and a couple of others as well, and I actually like those kinds of classes as you get to work more on what you want instead of doing the same thing as everyone else. It does require you to be somewhat structured and patient as you won't always have the instructor's attention, but it's great if you know what you want to work on :) But of course what's considered a mixed levels class can vary between different studios, so give them a call and ask :)
Sair ·
I love love LOVE mixed level classes :) We have co-ed ones @Brass Vixens. It's great for beginners because seeing all of the intermed/adv students really gives you a little nudge to try new things. Great for intermed/advanced because the guys are there to help spot you when you're trying scary new moves ;) Our teachers are fab and always select moves/spins that can be broken down into beg/int/adv versions. This way everyone gets a great work out and no one is "bored"
So maybe they aren't as scary as I thought. My current studio gives me a free practice session at the end of each level, which sounds a lot like the classes you described. With multiple instructors and all abilities. I will give that a go before I decide if I should switch studios or not. Thanks for all the help :)
Sair ·
Good luck Rachel! :)
When i teach multi level classes, everyone will work on a spin for example, but at their level. So if it is a brand new student, maybe a fireman. Intermediate-body spiral. Advanced- one handed spin. Same thing with climbs. Everyone will work on a climb, but a climb that is suited to their level.
