There are so many wonderful benefits that students can get with one on one private coaching. Most importantly the teacher can focus on that individual students needs, correct any personal faults that the student might have and discuss any problem areas with the student. I try to encourage all of our students to have at least a half hour private lesson each week if possible. I find that having a weekly private lesson can often take that student that one step further and help them to really believe in themselves. I am amazed at how much they can improve with the individual attention.
A question that students and parents often ask me is how many private lessons should they have and how often should they have them? This is of course a very personal issue and for some families this may also be a financial one as well. On average a very serious classical ballet student would benefit very much from having a one-hour private lesson once a week. In that private lesson the teacher can work with the student on examination work, solos for competitions and performances as well as personal stretching and strengthening exercises that the individual student may require.
For a younger student or part time student the private lessons might not be an ongoing event but for a specified period time leading up to exams, competitions or performances.
In a classroom situation it can be very challenging for the teacher to divide the personal corrections between every student especially if the class is large. No matter how diligent the dance teacher is it can be easy to overlook a students particular technique if the class size is big.
Another wonderful benefit of private lessons is the stronger rapport that can develop between the teacher and the student. The student will really feel that the teacher cares about their progress when they are working one on one together.
Students will find it very rewarding to also do private lessons with special guest teachers and industry professionals. It is so wonderful as a teacher to watch your student's personal development and self-awareness grow while they are doing something that they really love. I also find it very rewarding as the teacher to watch a private lesson with the guest and see how they approach my student.
The one on one lesson will help the dancer to refine their skills within the framework of their own personal development. It's wonderful to be able to extend the talented student and on the other hand work a bit slower with a student who may be struggling with a particular step or technique. It's a good opportunity for the teacher to work with that student according not only to their physical abilities but emotional development.
All the young dancers we work with are at different levels, need different personal corrections have varying abilities and are at various stages of development, teachers need to remember that they are training the 'whole person'.
In doing private lessons a teacher can have a wonderful influence on a young dances development and can assist them to reach goals and achieve dreams.
Both students and teachers have so much to benefit from private coaching including a greater understanding of our wonderful art form.
