With regards to interviews this is something i have really struggled with, i chose four people to interview, two who owned there own companies specialising in teaching dance to this young age group and two who currently teach it.
Out of the two that teach it one said she has been happy to do it but has been off very sick for the past two weeks so i have not been able compleate the interview. The other i do not work with and is a friend of a friend so i don't see them often thus i am still waiting for them to reply back to me.
So those side of the interviews are still on hold at the moment, i was wondering if other people have struggled trying to set up interviews having to work around other people?
Out of the companys one did get back to me and has been a great help, as she is based in london and me in north wales we have been corrasponding via email at the moment and i shall post some answers to our first email interview below, from this i intend to carry out a phone or skype conversation with her to further delve into the questions and answers.
I still feel slightly overwhelmed at the moment but if we don't try we won't succeed i intend to look at paulas slide show this weekend so intend to blog my thoughts after that.
The interview;
The questions that I would like to put forward to you are as
follows;
- Why did you decide to focus on this particular age range to teach?
I find them the most fun, innocent and rewarding age group.
- What do you base the structure of your class on?
Fun, we explore 14 different dance styles but its very loose
at this age and the emphasis is repetition to build confidence and fun to keep
them engaged
- What characteristics do you notice coming out in the children during the class.
Confidence is the main one, it can be instant or take a few
weeks but there is something about dancing that at this age they love and
naturally cant resist doing to funky music.
- Do you think a dance class bestows values on children, if so what are these values?
Its good for social skills, turn taking, manners and
confidence within their peers.
- What is the length of your class?
45 minutes
- What are the energy levels and physical excursion levels of the children during your class?
Very high, our music is very funky and poppy so the children
are full on. Everything has to be taught with energy and enthusiasm to keep
this age group engaged. Every elemant is short and we move from one thing to
the next quickly to keep their attention and keep them moving.
- What would you say your dance class focuses on for the children?
Co-ordination, rhythm and motor skills plus increases
confidence.
- What do you feel the children gain from your dance classes?
All the above plus learning that dance is fun and being
active is enjoyable in the hope this view will stay with them for life.
- Do you feel there are any downfalls to starting dance at this age?
No not if taught in a relaxed, fun way where theres no
pressure of technique, competition or exams.
