The Art of Teaching Dance: Beyond the Steps
There’s an old saying that goes, ‘Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.’ But in the world of professional dance, particularly on Dancing With the Stars, the line between doing and teaching is blurrier than most realize. Personally, I think this is where the real magic happens—not just in the flawless execution of a routine, but in the ability to inspire someone who’s never stepped into a ballroom before. Episode 6 of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro wasn’t just about dance; it was about the alchemy of turning raw potential into something beautiful. And let me tell you, it’s harder than it looks.
The Challenge: Teaching Superfans
What makes this episode particularly fascinating is the shift from showcasing individual talent to proving one’s ability to teach. The remaining contestants—Allen Genkin, Selena Hamilton, Nina Mayster, AJ Pritchard, and Adele Zaikman—weren’t just dancing; they were molding amateurs into performers. This isn’t just about steps and rhythms; it’s about communication, patience, and understanding. One thing that immediately stands out is how each pro’s personality influenced their teaching style. Adele’s strict approach, for instance, was a double-edged sword. While it pushed her partner, Anthony, to his limits, it also left him rattled. In my opinion, teaching dance isn’t just about technical precision; it’s about building confidence. And confidence, as we saw, can make or break a performance.
The Human Element in Teaching
What many people don’t realize is that teaching dance is as much about psychology as it is about choreography. Nina, for example, focused so much on perfecting her partner Jay’s posture that she neglected the actual steps. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a classic mistake—prioritizing form over function. But here’s the thing: Nina’s approach wasn’t entirely wrong. Posture is crucial in ballroom dance, but timing is everything. Her misstep wasn’t in her intention but in her execution. This raises a deeper question: How do you balance technical instruction with emotional encouragement? AJ Pritchard seemed to have the answer. His straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions not only helped his partner Bailey but also showcased his ability to adapt to her learning style. From my perspective, this is what separates a good teacher from a great one.
The Judges’ Insight: A Mirror to Reality
The judges’ observations were, as always, a highlight. Shirley Ballas’s comment that AJ’s work was ‘miraculous’ wasn’t just hyperbole; it was a testament to the power of effective teaching. But what this really suggests is that teaching isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you convey it. Selena, on the other hand, struggled to capture the essence of the quickstep. Her choreography lacked the ‘quick’ in ‘quickstep,’ and the judges noticed. A detail that I find especially interesting is how Selena’s inexperience as a teacher became her Achilles’ heel. She’s only been dancing ballroom for three years, and it showed. Teaching isn’t just about knowing the steps; it’s about knowing how to break them down for someone who doesn’t.
The Emotional Toll: Nina’s Exit
Nina’s elimination was heartbreaking, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Her time management issues and tendency to overwhelm her partner ultimately cost her a spot in the semifinals. What this really suggests is that teaching is as much about self-awareness as it is about skill. Nina’s exit interview, where she reflected on her growth as a dancer and a person, was a poignant reminder of why we watch these shows. It’s not just about the glitz and glamour; it’s about the human stories behind the performances. Personally, I think Nina’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of dance—even in defeat.
Looking Ahead: The Semifinals and Beyond
As we head into the semifinals, the stakes are higher than ever. AJ, Adele, Allen, and Selena have proven their ability to teach, but the real test lies in how they’ll handle even greater challenges. One thing is clear: teaching dance is an art form in itself. It requires patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of human nature. What makes this show so compelling is that it doesn’t just celebrate dance; it celebrates the relationships that form through it.
Final Thoughts
If you take a step back and think about it, Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro isn’t just a competition—it’s a masterclass in what it means to be a teacher. The pros who succeed aren’t just great dancers; they’re great communicators, motivators, and mentors. In my opinion, this is what sets them apart. As we move forward, I’ll be watching not just for the choreography, but for the connections. Because, at the end of the day, dance isn’t just about the steps—it’s about the stories we tell and the people we inspire along the way.
