The Art of Teaching Dance: Beyond the Steps
There’s an old adage that says, 'Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.' But in the world of professional dance, particularly on Dancing With the Stars, the line between doing and teaching is blurred—and intentionally so. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the show’s spin-off, Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, forces us to rethink what it truly means to be a 'pro.' It’s not just about executing flawless choreography; it’s about inspiring someone else to do the same, often in a fraction of the time. This raises a deeper question: Can the best dancers also be the best teachers?
In Episode 6, titled 'But Can You Teach? Coaching Superfans with Witney Carson,' the contestants were thrown into the deep end. Their task? To teach a ballroom routine to amateur dancers—superfans with little to no formal training—in just two days. Personally, I think this challenge is where the rubber meets the road. Anyone can dazzle on stage, but to break down complex movements into digestible chunks for a novice? That’s where the real skill lies.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast in teaching styles. Take Adele Zaikman, for instance. Her 'no-nonsense' approach with partner Anthony Riccardo was intense, almost rigid. While it paid off in terms of technical precision, I couldn’t help but wonder if her strictness might have stifled creativity. What many people don’t realize is that teaching dance isn’t just about the steps; it’s about building confidence and fostering a connection. Adele’s routine was 'fierce,' as judge Shirley Ballas noted, but did it leave room for Anthony to enjoy the process?
On the flip side, AJ Pritchard’s methodical and encouraging style felt like a breath of fresh air. Having coached on Strictly Come Dancing in the UK, AJ brought a level of experience that was hard to ignore. His Viennese waltz with Bailey McKnight was technically sound and emotionally resonant. What this really suggests is that teaching dance is as much about empathy as it is about expertise. AJ didn’t just instruct; he inspired.
Nina Mayster, meanwhile, faced a different challenge. Her tendency to 'steamroll' in previous episodes seemed to work against her here. While her focus on posture and technique was admirable, it came at the expense of actually teaching the routine. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a classic case of overthinking. Sometimes, the best teachers are the ones who know when to simplify—a lesson Nina learned the hard way when she was eliminated.
Selena Hamilton’s struggle was equally telling. With only three years of ballroom experience, she was out of her depth. Her choreography lacked the quickstep’s signature 'travel,' as the judges pointed out. But what I find especially interesting is how her inexperience highlighted a broader truth: teaching is a craft that takes time to master. It’s not just about knowing the steps; it’s about knowing how to convey them.
Allen Genkin’s approach was perhaps the most balanced. By keeping the choreography simple, he allowed his partner, Zaira Yzabelle, to shine. Their waltz was 'filled with beauty,' as Shirley noted, even if the technique wasn’t perfect. This, to me, is the essence of good teaching: meeting the student where they are and helping them grow from there.
What makes this episode so compelling is its exploration of the psychological dynamics between teacher and student. Witney Carson’s decision to sit down with the students the night before the performance was genius. It gave us a glimpse into the insecurities and pressures they were facing. Anthony’s confidence rating of four out of ten? Heartbreaking. But it also underscored the responsibility the contestants carried. They weren’t just teaching steps; they were shaping experiences.
If you ask me, the real star of this episode wasn’t any one contestant—it was the process itself. The show forced us to confront the often-overlooked art of teaching. In a world that glorifies individual achievement, The Next Pro reminds us that true mastery lies in the ability to lift others.
As we head into the semifinals, I’m left with a provocative thought: What if the best dancers aren’t the ones who shine the brightest on stage, but the ones who can make others shine just as brightly? It’s a question worth pondering as we watch these pros navigate the delicate balance between doing and teaching. After all, in the world of dance, the greatest legacy isn’t the steps you perform—it’s the steps you pass on.
