Are there any significant differences between teaching a regular dance class and a workshop?

If you've never taught a dance workshop, you may question if there are any significant differences between a regular class and a workshop. Here are some important points to keep in mind while preparing for your first workshop:

A workshop has a very specific topic. It can be choreography, or technique, particular dance style, practice or lecture. Don't try to fit everything in those 2-3 hours. Better to narrow the subject but to go deep into it. Students should leave your workshop with a complete portion of information, even if it's a very small part of a bigger topic.
A workshop is a one-time event for most students. Regular classes are usually an on-going thing where the teacher has the luxury of spending time on polishing and drilling new movements. In contrast, workshops are events restricted in time. It's not very often that a student comes back to the same workshop topic of the same teacher. Usually they attend a workshop only once, so as an instructor, don't feel an obligation to "make everyone shimmy perfectly in a new innovative technique" after 2 hours of workshop. Such miracles do not happen. Every new way of performing a movement or unusual combination requires time to practice. Often workshops do not allow such drilling time, unless it's a full-day intensive. Your task as a teacher is to make sure that students understand the new technique or concept, but practicing and polishing is by default their homework.

3. One of the common issues during workshops is filming throughout the class. My personal approach is that there is no video allowed during the class, but I plan time at the very end when students can film me and a group of volunteers demonstrating the workshop material. It allows the group to stay focused during the workshop. Also, I know that it doesn't interfere with anyone's privacy, and only people who are willing to be filmed on anyone's camera will be captured there. Plus I can direct the flow and structure of the class as I need, without constant stops for filming different parts.

4. Also, be ready that some students may just sit and watch parts or even the whole workshop. That is very common and may be caused by various health or personal reasons. Since a workshop is a one-time event, people usually don't want to simply miss it even if they can't dance.

5. And finally, a workshop is usually 2-3 hours in duration, which is longer than a regular class. You need to pay attention to the energy of the group: make sure you do a couple of small breaks for water, mix material with some jokes or funny stories, and avoid a monotonous voice. Additionally, never forget that as much as you want to "please" students and meet their expectations/preferences, you are the one who is responsible for deciding on what is next. Keep it fresh, engaging and focused.

Btw, I highly recommend that you listen to the interview with Maria Sokolova at Belly Dance Life podcast. There was a part when she talked about her experiences of participating as well as hosting workshops, and I believe you may find very inspiring!

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Author: Iana Komarnytska
Photographer: Pedro Bonatto