How To Be A Better Teacher
3 Tips For Pole Instructors

My belief is that becoming a better teacher is something all pole dance instructors can and should work towards.

In fact, improving your teaching skills is just as important as staying up on the latest pole dancing tricks and moves.

Unfortunately, sometimes we pole instructors - unlike a teacher who gives lectures on abstract subjects like philosophy - can get so wrapped up in our subject matter and in the skill set of "doing," that we sometimes forget about the teaching end of things.

That's why - every now and then - it can be helpful to take a step back and see if there are things we'd like to change or perhaps things we could do differently to become a better teacher.

Here are 3 tips to help you do just that, plus one bonus tip to tie it all together. Ready? Here we go!

Tip #1: Invite Feedback

I've found, however, that students often aren't willing to give really honest feedback. If they like your class they'll keep coming, and if they don't, they tend to just quietly disappear without telling you why they didn't come back.

One way of gathering feedback that I've found to be very beneficial, is to ask colleagues for some specific suggestions on how you can improve.

After all, you're all teaching professionals and you understand the role of honest critique in becoming a better teacher.

Invite a fellow instructor or two into your class, or get together with other teachers at your studio once a month or even once a quarter, and take turns teaching each other. Then provide each other with kind yet honest feedback.

Tip #2: Attend Other Classes

But if you plan ahead and make it a goal to attend another instructor's class even twice a year, I guarantee you'll get a new perspective on the art of teaching, and maybe even pick up a new tip or idea that might blend well with your own teaching techniques or style.

Tip #3: Take A Break!

The fact is, teaching is a very people-intensive. You're "on" all the time, and it's often difficult to hit the off switch, especially after you've been teaching for a number of years.

Even taking a one week break between class sessions can be beneficial, and a longer break once or twice a year is invaluable. You'll come back to class feeling refreshed and recharged after having some time away from the limelight.

I always used to aim to take at least two weeks off over the Christmas holiday season, and another couple of weeks in late Summer. These are typically slow times in the fitness industry (at least in the Northern hemisphere!), so taking time away had little, if any, impact on business.

As someone who has been teaching dance and fitness for nearly 30 years, I can say with confidence that taking regular breaks is one of the best ways I know of to extend the length of your teaching career and become a better teacher overall. I highly recommend it!

One Final Tip

Remember: what's great today may be only "good enough" tomorrow. In order to stay on the leading edge of both the art of pole dancing and the art of teaching, it's important to continually strive to be the best you can be.

Oh, and just one more thing: have fun! It might sound trite, but I'm convinced this is half the battle.

If your students see that you genuinely enjoy not only pole dancing, but also teaching, your enthusiasm and delight will go a long way to helping them feel comfortable so they can really enjoy your class.