TIPS FOR NEW TEACHERS by Atesh (Anthea, Kawakib)
Professional Performer and Certified Teacher of Middle Eastern Dance
540-972-0327 www.kawakib.com

A. BASIC TEACHING PLAN
- Plan at least several classes ahead
- Follow format of
. warmup
. practise
. dance
- Incorporate the whole body when practising movements
- Use structured and unstructured learning:
. rote (memory, choreography)
. "follow me"
. creative

B. LEARNING BETTER TEACHING

TEACHING METHODS - Structuring the Learning Environment

http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/instruct/instmdls.html - Models of Teaching/Instruction (links & resources)

www.TheStretchingHandbook.com/ - "Why's & How's" of warming up & stretching


C. ADVANCED TEACHING

More CONCEPTS for EXPLORING THE DANCE - Getting Deeper Background on Specific Subjects
Take these concepts into class and explore them with your students. You'll be surprised at how much you can learn with them!

Example: Drum Solo :

Describe:
•    the context (the Drum Solo belongs to what style of dance? Country, culture, setting? In the Oriental Dance suite, when is it traditionally performed?)
•    the typical persona of the dancer
•    the predominant movement dynamics
- What instruments are involved? Name? Description? Country or cultural origin?
- What is the significance of the Drum Solo?
- What are the significant elements?
- What are the benefits to dancer?

Atesh's other material on Teaching:
- Pre-teaching Questionnaire on Gilded Serpent.com :
http://www.gildedserpent.com/articles5/antheaonteaching.htm

"Guide to Teaching Middle Eastern Dance" Table of Contents:
http://www.kawakib.com/page-10.html