13 Things You Should Know About Your Dance Instructor
Breaking News - your dance instructors are pretty awesome.
This isn't just because they have figured out how to teach you to dance, of all people. Or that they are somehow capable of staying positive and optimistic, even on your bad days.
There are plenty of great ingredients that go into a great Arthur Murray instructor, and here are 13 - just in case you needed any additional reasons to discover how much more awesome they can be.
1. Training Program
It may not be like an audition for American Idol, but landing a job at Arthur Murray is no easy feat. In some locations, there are 60-100 interviewed and evaluated for every one that makes the full time staff. Those selected enter into a boot camp training program that sets the foundation of skills necessary to join the full time staff.
2. Full Time
Speaking of full time, the majority of Arthur Murray locations only hire full time, career minded, instructors. Just in case you were ever wondering what your teacher's real "day-job" was.
3. Close Quarters Customer Service
Most Customer Service industries connect to their customers via email and voice, trying their best to sound as human and relatable as possible. Arthur Murray instructors deliver customer service inside of a dance frame, and when you consider how few customer service representatives you actually enjoy interacting with on the phone, it really puts close quarters customer service into perspective.
4. Committed to the Team
Your teacher is part of a team of teachers that will work together to ensure you hit your dance goals. It's called Team Teaching, and it allows you, the student, to work with a variety of teachers to make the most efficient progress possible.
5. Has Constant Support
Every professional sports team has a coach, and in some cases there are offensive and defensive coordinators. Those coordinators, in the world of Arthur Murray, would be the New Student Counselor and the Teaching Department Supervisor. Each manager will act as a support for both you, and your instructor.
6. Receives Training Every Day
Whether it is on the principles of a great dance frame, or great customer service - your instructor receives training on a daily basis.
7. Will Custom Tailor a Dance Program For You
The primary goal for your instructor is to custom plan a dance program to suit your dance goals. Planning wise, it's a lot like a Bank Heist, but with the end goal of having you reach achievements on and off the dance floor.
8. Will Make Constant Alterations
Think about what a tailor does. They don't just measure you once. If you've got a great tailor, they will continue to alter your clothing, as necessary, over the years. The same can be said about your instructor. They won't "set and forget" your dance goals. They are constantly evaluating your interests, learning style, and potential needs to keep your dance program both interesting and practical.
9. Have Lived the Curve of Learning
Every student will learn about the Arthur Murray Curve of Learning. Fortunately for you, your teacher has lived it. When they share the different stages of the learning process with you, know that they are sharing it from first hand, real life experience. So you definitely will not be the only one who ever felt awkward when learning something new.
10. Will Enlist Consultants
One of the best traits of any leader is self awareness. Your teachers, as the leaders of your dance program, have the self awareness to understand that there are Arthur Murray consultants with specific skills that can accelerate your learning, and won't hesitate to recommend one that will do just that.
11. Will Recommend Events As Necessary
Remember this - your teacher won't ask you, unless you're ready (even if you don't feel like it). To clarify - your teacher gains nothing if you fail, so they will always consider your goals and abilities when it comes to outside dance events.
12. May Get Promoted At Some Point
Yes, it's true... there is upward mobility in the dance industry. In fact, the overwhelming majority of studio managers, consultants, and franchisees started as brand new teachers first. Your teacher will always love teaching, and a promotion will allow them to share and develop that skill in others on a larger scale.
13. Has a Vested Interest in Your Dance Journey
Whether it is Rocky, the Karate Kid, or any other great movie featuring a great mentor, your teacher has a deep interest in seeing you succeed. Your dance lesson inspired victories are like oxygen to your teachers, and it is truly one of the biggest, most rewarding, parts of a career in this field.
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