In these days of computers and cell phones, teens very often struggle with face to face communication. This can be a problem in daily life but it becomes magnified when communicating with an audience is called for. The time that teens actually have to interact is far more limited nowadays and sometimes makes it more of a problem when it comes to something like dance. Dance almost forces you to not only communicate but also to bare your soul to an audience. It is so much easier to communicate with someone typing messages into a computer or cell phone and when it comes down to it; texting is the way that teenagers prefer to communicate.

So how can we break down this convenient yet mechanical way of expressing ourselves? I have found that one of the best ways to do this is to get a group of teens to sit down and face each other to discuss a variety of topics both positive and negative. It is so interesting and heartwarming to see their faces and eyes light up when talking to their peers. The key is to help them to understand that everything we do in dance is simply a conversation with the audience and if they can transfer that lively exchange of ideas that they have with their fellow students to their performance they will become terrific artists.

One of the main problems with teens and pre teens is the tremendous sense of insecurity that they feel about the way they look. Helping them to have a positive image of their bodies is extremely important and it is only by boosting them up on that side that you will be able to reach them on the performance issues. As we know during these very formative years it is sometimes hard for these children to see themselves in a positive light, especially if they are slightly larger or less attractive than they perceive to be the acceptable 'look'. I have found that it is much easier to get through to them if I can find at least one thing about them that is interesting and beautiful or if it is a boy, handsome. That really is not hard to do as you can find something attractive about each and every individual. The key is to let them know that you see that redeeming factor by complementing them on whatever assets they have. I have seen ugly ducklings blossom into beautiful swans once they gain sufficient confidence. Then watch as their faces loosen up and they are able to show the audience their performance skills and joy of dance. Teens can become easily embarrassed even if you look at them.

 I always remember one teen who was my student for a number of years. Once she became a teen her whole personality changed. She went from being a sweet child, eager to learn to a pain in the neck who wanted to disrupt as much as possible in class. She loved to challenge me and I am sure if you are a woman teacher you will have experienced this more than once. I refused to lose my patience with her although there were definitely times when my 'inside' voice wanted to react differently!! One day in class I gave her a correction extremely quietly so that only she could hear. Well!!  The next day the drama unfolded, the mother came in and said her daughter was very upset because I had yelled at her in class. You can imagine my reaction; I thought to myself 'what is she talking about?' I knew I had been so gentle with her. In her perception she felt that I was yelling at her …..With my eyes! To be truthful, I probably was, but I learned a valuable lesson from that incident, that anything is possible with a teen and that their biggest problem is their insecurity. I believe in discipline as it is simply impossible to learn to dance without it but what is important is to teach self discipline so that these young dancers become stronger and more resilient to the outside world. As a side note, this young lady has evolved and grown into a lovely dancer with confidence and constantly keeps in touch with me to ask for advice. We had our battles but we gained respect for each other over time.

Teens are always complicated and sometimes can be difficult but with a little positive help and reinforcement from us they can develop into well balanced and happy individuals ready to tackle anything that crosses their path and comfortable with using their performance skills to wow an audience.