Some of the conversation centered around translation in relation to language. One teacher taught Japanese students and was asking advice as to ideas as to how communicate with students who understood a language that she did not speak. Another commented that she had been taught by non English speaking teachers and that she had still learnt as they had expressed themselves through dance, speaking in their own language and non verbal communication. However when the word translation was mentioned this made me think of the ISTD Springboard Conference for inclusive dance that I was at recently. Translation is also the word that is used to convert able bodied dance movements into those for wheelchair users, or those with disabilities and vice versa.
Language is obviously a key communicative tool when we teach, but within that we adapt the type of language used so that it is age appropriate. For example with young children we may use more imagery, but what happens when we have a child on the autistic spectrum within our class? Imagery to them is an alien concept, so we adapt again. Language is just one form of communication and through dance movement and gestures is it possible that non verbal communication plays just as an important role if not more in dance training?
The old expression of 'one picture paints a thousand words' could also be applicable to teaching dance. Verbal correction isn't always understood, but by physically correcting a pupil that correction can be understood instantly. Others respond to visual stimulation such as watching a dvd of the syllabus that they are studying and others to different methods, which links in with theories of learning.
Communication is far more diverse and complex than it initially appears on the surface. What is important is that the recipients of our communication understand it and in relation to teaching dance can incorporate that information to enhance the way in which they develop as a dancer.
