Spotlighting the Introverted Dance Teacher: Strategies for Teaching, Learning, and Leading

ABSTRACT

Dance educators frequently function in a performance situation–teaching, leading discussion, rehearsing, choreographing. Because of the nature of the work, introverts may be driven to behave in a more extroverted manner and less like themselves. How do introverted teachers navigate the demands of teaching and preserve their energy while best serving their students and themselves? This paper shares strategies on teaching, learning, and leading as an introverted teacher. I draw on existing literature about the introverted teacher, learner, and leader, as well as ideas on effective teaching, and I apply these ideas specifically to dance. While many introverted dance educators successfully teach and perform as extroverts, by openly claiming their introverted personality and implementing practices for teaching, leading, and learning that are specific to introverts, they can feel more confident and engaged in their teaching and working lives.

KEYWORDS:

• Introverted
• introversion
• teaching
• learning
• leadership
• higher education
• K-12