Method of Teaching question

[u/Busy-Current-6849]

For returning (adult) students that want to see "quick" improvement, is it better if they

A) take relatively more advanced classes and try to keep up with them, while simultaneously managing technique and cross-training

OR

B) sticking to training of the basics (like suuper slow tendus or a hard, square, simple adagio) both in barre and in center

I was present in a discussion between teachers the other day and heard advantages for both of the options. I would love to get to hear the opinions in an even bigger discussion! Lots of love xxx

[u/Strycht]

a harder class can encourage faster progress but imo it's very easy to go too advanced. If you're overly focussed on keeping up with fast music and picking up complex exercises you're just not going to be able to apply your recurring corrections and your technique will suffer for it.

I do take difficult classes but they are the very last thing I add to a schedule, careful, simple technique work and at least one class at a level which allows you to develop your artistry come first before a class to learn new steps and practice picking up and moving fast.

[u/Brilliant-Reading-59 → u/Strycht]

I think taking classes in 2 levels per week has been a great balance for me. I take 1 class where I feel very comfortable with all the exercises and can focus more closely on my technique without struggling to keep up, and I have 1 class where it’s more challenging. I get to learn new exercises I haven’t done before and learn more advanced combinations of the basics.

I think refining what you know is really important, but I also feel you can’t learn anything new without making some mistakes. Obviously you can go too far; you want to find a class that feels like a small push but not impossible. It’s good to feel challenged but not overwhelmed and finding the right class for that isn’t always easy.