Checking In

As a dance educator, I aim to create a communal space without judgment or competition so students feel seen. Sometimes, I get too excited about the product, miss the mark, and need to step back. We took that step this week, and I realized we needed it more than I thought.

March is a busy month. It is busy for several reasons; performance season is gearing up, seniors are anxiously awaiting college acceptance letters, and spring is in the air.

As much as I want to go-go-go, it is an excellent time to check-in. There is so much value in stopping, checking in, and reflecting. I know it feels like we don’t have the time, but if we do, it will benefit all of us. 
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I used the questions below to check in with the students, allowing space to reflect on the present material and share personal stories with their peers, nurturing the class' community spirit.

To begin, the students are instructed to walk around the space, stop, and find the nearest person to talk to. Do this with every question. The walking can change to jogging, sideways/backward, curved, they can choose someone to follow (one of my favorites) etc.

1. What excites you about the new dance so far?
2. What additional ideas do you have for the new dance?
3. Share either your last partner's idea or your own to your new partner.
4. What was an exciting event that happened this week?
5. What was a not-so-exciting event this week?
6. What is one thing your partner doesn’t know about you?
7. Go to your birthday month (signs-each will have three months- are in the four corners of the studio). Share a favorite birthday or tradition, or tell us why or why not your birthday month is the best.
8. Discuss performance goals with your group. 
9. How can you meet those goals?

End with constructive rest and a reminder that we all support each other by listening and sharing stories.

​The individuals in the class make the community; without each one, it wouldn’t be the same.