A few years ago, I signed up for a modern dance class because I was looking to broaden my dance experience. The dance institution had a great reputation, and the teacher was a relatively well-known performer and choreographer. But I lasted about three weeks, and it wasn't because I was tired of rolling around on the floor.
The instructor's teaching method often involved snapping nastily at her students-all of whom were beginners-when they made mistakes with postures, positions, or movements. I was never subject to her wrath, but I was always quaking in my leotard, wondering when I would be next. After a few sessions, I realized I didn't need the stress.
For me, it was a lesson in how important a teacher can be to your dance experience. If this had been my first dance class, I might have abandoned the art altogether.
So what is it that makes a good tap teacher? I've come up with a list of traits. Feel free to suggest some of your own ideas.
Good Technique
Poor technique is bad for your body and bad for your dancing. You may not even notice it until years later, when your bad habits prevent you from getting the speed or sound you yearn for. It's no good to learn something that's incorrect; you're going to have to unlearn it later. A tip-off that your teacher has and pays attention to good technique: she or he points out ways to improve the way you move, even if the steps are "right", and is specific about how you should do things (with your knees bent, leaning forward slightly, etc.)
Attentive
Kind of related to good technique. A good teacher will notice if you are doing a shuffle when she asked for a riffle, a left cramp roll when you should be doing a right cramp roll. She will notice the things you don't even realize you're doing; she will see when you are struggling and try to help you work through it.
Critical
...in a nice way. Sometimes teachers will make a comment to the group in general, but other times it helps to be singled out. It can be deflating, but you can't fix a mistake without identifying it first.
Creative
People learn in different ways. I can't learn a routine if the steps are counted out, but sing it and I'm there. A good teacher can come up with different methods for explaining or demonstrating what is expected of you. She or he will also vary classes with drills, reviews, new steps, routines, etc.
