I Guide, You Decide

I recently taught a movement class at a senior community where a student who I had not seen in several months was in attendance. I was thrilled to see him, and asked him where he had been? He said he was frustrated that he was not able to do a lot of the movement. When I asked what changed, he said he decided he did not need to do everything perfectly, and that he could just do what his body was able to do. In the second part of the class, when I teach standing choreography which can be adapted to seated,  I noticed he was standing off to the side, near his walker, but doing his own movement which echoed the movements I was teaching to the class. It was a beautiful and poignant moment, to see this student blossom with an understanding of the power and grace that his body can display, but also, his confidence in his own ability to adapt his movement for his body.

I often think the word “instructor” is a misnomer for what I do. With the word instructor, there is the assumption that the teacher knows all…a very objective, black and white assessment of the education process. I tell my students that I am a “guide.”   I guide them in a variety of movement, and with that in mind, they decide which level or style of movement is appropriate for them. The continuum of movement includes range of motion, speed, style, breath, and perhaps even emotional release.  By guiding students instead of instructing them, I am giving them agency; they become self-advocates for their health and wellness. They know their bodies better than I do, and they also know their comfort level with the movement. The only underlying condition that everyone adheres to is to do movement that feels good in the body. If the body needs a rest, breathe through the next exercise, take it down a notch, or take it up a notch if the body needs more! A reasonable amount of effort without damaging the body is critical. Pain should never be an option.

For all the certifications and training that I have undertaken throughout my life, I can honestly say that I have learned more from observing and guiding my students and getting feedback from them.   In the virtual class experience, it is more difficult to have this feedback loop, but even with a few students in the studio and the rest on Zoom, I can give specific cues to assist the students, even the virtual students, enhance their movement experience. In the classes I guide which are more dance oriented, I use imagery and rich language to assist the students in creating the movement in their bodies, which they already know intuitively: the language aids in manifesting the movement.

Even students in memory communities guide me in how to guide them. In fact, perhaps that feedback loop is even greater. There is an honesty in their movement, and no filter to prevent me from understanding what is really going on with them. I know right away if a class is not working for them, whether it be the music, the type of movement, the pace of the class…or something else.

So, students, and prospective students, come to class, guide me and I will guide you, and together we will create a valuable movement experience that will bring you pleasure and wellness!