I have a problem.
My absolute favourite class of the week is my Step class on a Saturday morning. It's billed as 'Intermediate', but that's only because the gym won't let me call it 'Advanced'. It's one of those classes that looks really impressive - completely mad twisty turny nonsense that to outsiders looks completely impossible.
And it's popular. Very.
But herein lies the problem. It has come to my attention that my class is scary.
Participant view:
My people like 'their' spaces, so get there early to claim them (or get a friend to save them one). And there are a lot of them. All of which have clearly done this thing before. They start working out the progressions before they're taught them. They add random spinning bits. If you're new, you stand out. Which, to new participants is... well, scary.
Instructor view:
My people know what they like, and they're not afraid to make that crystal clear. They give very detailed feedback. They know instantly when you're off phrase, and woebetide you if you don't rectify that seamlessly within 16 counts. They make up their own choreography if they think it needs improvement. I have to make them promise not to make stand-in instructors cry (they've only done this to two so far....). If you go wrong they just keep going and wait for you to join back in (and then give you a 'look'). Which, to stand-in instructors is... well, scary.
I need to unscary it....
Don't believe me? Come and try it out: The Barn Health and Leisure, Saturday 9:10 (£5 non-members).
DARE YOU?
My absolute favourite class of the week is my Step class on a Saturday morning. It's billed as 'Intermediate', but that's only because the gym won't let me call it 'Advanced'. It's one of those classes that looks really impressive - completely mad twisty turny nonsense that to outsiders looks completely impossible.
And it's popular. Very.
But herein lies the problem. It has come to my attention that my class is scary.
Participant view:
My people like 'their' spaces, so get there early to claim them (or get a friend to save them one). And there are a lot of them. All of which have clearly done this thing before. They start working out the progressions before they're taught them. They add random spinning bits. If you're new, you stand out. Which, to new participants is... well, scary.
Instructor view:
My people know what they like, and they're not afraid to make that crystal clear. They give very detailed feedback. They know instantly when you're off phrase, and woebetide you if you don't rectify that seamlessly within 16 counts. They make up their own choreography if they think it needs improvement. I have to make them promise not to make stand-in instructors cry (they've only done this to two so far....). If you go wrong they just keep going and wait for you to join back in (and then give you a 'look'). Which, to stand-in instructors is... well, scary.
I need to unscary it....
Don't believe me? Come and try it out: The Barn Health and Leisure, Saturday 9:10 (£5 non-members).
DARE YOU?
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