People who have not started dancing at an early age may want to try dancing when they reach their 30s or even the golden years. The method of teaching an adult dance class may differ from other age groups. Adults do not have the same physical make-up with younger dancers. They are not as flexible as children. This is one consideration that teachers look into when teaching adults.
It would be best for adults to enroll in dance classes whose teachers understand this unique requirement. Adults will have certain concerns and limitations that do not bother other age groups. For instance, they may find it awkward wearing revealing clothes, they are worried about getting injured or they might feel out of place in a group comprised mostly of young dance students.
Dance instruction should not be for the different age groups. The reason for this is largely due to physiological differences. An adult beginner dancer enrolled in dance class filled with teenagers may find themselves pushing too hard to keep up with the young ones. These could pose risks to their health rather than help them.
- Adults must look for a studio where they can have a good warm-up before doing the dance routines.
- A good warm-up consists of exercises that move the joints from neck down and all muscles.
- It should enhance flexibility, balance and speed.
- The exercise should last 30 minutes for a one-hour class.
- If the class runs for 90 minutes then a 45 minute warm-up would be enough.
- Warm-up exercises usually become routine.
- This will enable adult students to memorize the steps and make the most of the exercises.
The dance warm-ups must make use of aerobic motion. This will develop flexibility of body. It will also help prepare the body for the physical demands of the class.
Exercises that are non-weight bearing enable adults to utilize their energy for lifting and holding without using balance. Progressive exercises will prepare the adult step-by-step on a level they are comfortable with.
Warm-ups that only use basic stretches, kicks or bending are not sufficient. The requirement should be moving all muscles and joints of the body. Basic moves cannot accomplish that. Insufficient warm-up can pose risks of injury and strain to an adult dancer.
A great teacher should inquire from the adult dancers if they have existing injuries or if they have physical conditions that pose limitations on their movements that day. An instructor must be able to communicate to students not just issue directions. This will make the class more interactive and fun for the student.
After a good warm-up, dancers will proceed to the center of the studio. The teacher demonstrates to the student how certain moves are made. If there are limitations in an adult dancers movements due to a physical condition then the teacher must not force her or him to execute some steps. A teacher is there to guide not to force instruction.
Adult students do not attend classes to be able to compete professionally. This is a very rare occurrence although not an impossible situation. Adult students usually enroll for the love of salsa dancing. If an adult student has the passion for the dance then letting him or her help choreograph will enable the dancer to feel fulfilled.
An adult dancer who learns to be flexible can perform as well as the young dancers. It might take time to perfect a performance but the dancer can learn various moves that will help in the dance. Jumping, twisting, turning, balancing and partnering are all part of the rigorous demands of dancing which an adult should prepare for. Teachers can make a difference in the adult dancing experience in a dance class by helping him or her adjust.