Hey guys, Nyah here!
You will have me teaching your classes every now and again so I thought I would take a second to introduce myself!
I came to the Army DC just over 2 years ago as a 16 years old student and now I teach classes regularly at only 18 years old, and I
LOVE IT!
It’s pretty challenging going from a student at THE ARMY DC to a teacher, so I thought I would give you a few tips that can help you get there if you are looking at teaching for THE ARMY DC in the future.
Have confidence
At the end of the day, you need to know that you have been put in the position for a reason. Teaching my first class was SCARY and completely unplanned. Long story short, there was a complication with another teacher so I had to step in last minute. I had 50 eyes on me and I wasn’t prepared at all. But, it was the best thing that ever happened that prepared me to teach. In that class, I immediately had to learn how to command respect and talk to the dancers on a level. I had to remember that no matter my age, this moment is an opportunity to show Beckie that I have the potential to teach, and it went surprisingly well! That was all from getting in the right headspace and believing in myself.
Learn to be a smart dancer
Listen to the music more than you think you need to, ESPECIALLY when you are choreographing. Think about the beats, the sounds, the lyrics, etc. One of the best ways to do this is to just freestyle to the music that you are planning on using in class! Yes, you gotta make sure that they all have a good time but you have to challenge the students as well, so don’t be afraid to give them a couple of challenging moves.
Everyone has the same chance to teach
Beckie only gave me a chance because I proved to her that I was hungry and that I wanted it. I showed her my willingness to learn, grow and to prove myself. No matter what you end up doing, all the opportunities that come your way, are from proving your potential and working hard.
Stay humble
I don’t get any benefit when taking a class just because I occasionally teach for THE ARMY DC. I’m in the same boat as anyone else. If I’m not performing well or if i’m not committed, or if I have an attitude, I will be cut from dances and performances just the same as anyone else. You are STILL a student as well as a teacher. So it’s so important to stay humble at ALL times.
Tips For Teaching For THE ARMY DC
