This time of year it is important to assess your students progress so that you can a). Make them look good in any choreography for the year end show and b). Help direct them to the right classes for next season. Now is the time to decide who is progressing and who is not. It may be that the student has hit a plateau and may need a bit of a push. It could also mean that the level they are in is a bit of a challenge and that they have lost some confidence. Whatever the case it is important for you as their teacher to discover what each student needs to progress.

Let's face it, if the student feels that they are not advancing then you will have an issue at some point or even worse they may quit dancing altogether. If you are having a problem with a student it could be that they feel that they are not being challenged. If you suspect this is the case you can always find a few more advanced steps that you could give the students in the class who you feel are ready for something more difficult to work on for a small featured part in your choreography. The key is to engage the entire class so that everyone is committed to what you are doing. Remember, when they hit the stage, if they don't look good, you don't look good!

Helpful Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Students:

1.     Give them a test. Decide on the technique that you have worked on during the year and give the class a test. This can be done in small groups or individually. The key here is not to embarrass anyone but to see who can do the technique and who really needs to work on things. This would be a great time to help students who are struggling. Once they have given their demonstration of each step I like to go through a check list of tips that can show them what they need to address to help them master the technique given to them. This way they will have a couple of months to practice the technique and steps and that will not only help them get to the next level but also help them look better in whatever numbers they will be doing in the recital.

2.     Rediscover the lost art of practicing. Discuss with the class the importance of spending some time practicing. This is sometimes a lost art. Especially for the beginner students. Spending an extra hour a week working on things will add up. I like to equate it to putting money in the bank. If every week they invest some time in their training it will make a big difference. I recommend that you have them get a small note pad that they can use as a journal. They can write down the technique or exercises they will practice and then you can help them chart their progress. Once a student does spend the time and improvement starts to show I make a BIG deal out of it in front of the entire class. This way everyone knows that if they spend some time working on things it does not go unnoticed.

3.     Have each student write out their goals. Goals are the key to motivate your students. These goals should include short term and long term goals that they would like to gain from their dance training. I believe this is important so that you can see how your students view their dance training through their eyes. Once you see how they perceive what their dance training means to them you can help craft a plan to help them achieve their ultimate goal.

4.      Encourage group participation. Practice is essential but so is working together for a common goal. If one member of the class is really struggling they will most likely be ignored or ostracized by the others. Here you must take control and appoint groups that will work well together. Let's face it this may be the most important lesson they can learn from their training. No matter what they do in life being able to help, contribute and work in a group setting will be a life enhancing skill that will help them a lot when they become adults. Working as a group to practice the choreography and technique will be a great team feeling and bring your students closer together. They will also be more committed to you as their teacher.