You're going to a group class. It's a beginning group class, way below your level of expertise. I mean, you've been to at least a dozen beginner classes and you've got the material nailed.
Let's, for example, just for kicks, AS A CRAZY METAPHOR, call you an "upperclassman".
And let's, just for funzies, use a female pronoun for the teacher of this group class you are about to attend.
Sometime last year, when you started taking group classes, you were in the same place as the incoming "frosh": a little uncoordinated, unmusical, nervous, and overwhelmed. But now, you totally know that Rumba goes "slow quick quick" and that ladies start on their right foot and now you have confidence. Or cockiness.
THE LINE IS THIN, MY FRIENDS.
No matter how advanced you are, I will tell you something most teachers are too nice to say to your face:
You are not the teacher's assistant.
No. Nope. Stop it.
Unless you have been specifically asked on the same day by the teacher present to assist with class, you may not:
- elaborate on steps or techniques being taught to other participants
- elaborate on steps or techniques being taught to other participants
- elaborate on steps or techniques being taught to other participants
This explicitly means you should not answer any questions that require more than a yes or no answer and especially refrain from using dance terms (tone, center, connection, CBM, line of dance, rise and fall, etc.) when opening your mouth during class, unless these words have already been introduced. (If you have a question including one of these fancy words or some other material that's been bugging you, many teachers will happily take the time to answer them after class.)
Did you hear something that totally doesn't jive (hahahaha) with what you know, or people are doing something wrong? Shut yer face.
Seriously, please PLEASE don't bring it up. There are certain things you need to learn (how to move your arse) before you get to even more awesome stuff (how to be sexy moving your arse). Did you really want to know that American Swing timing actually is 3/4 - 1/4 - 1/1 the first time you danced it and that you were murdering the moniker of the dance by performing the side chassé the way you did, or did you just want to rock out to "Gold On The Ceiling"?
We know you're excited. Dancing is awesome! You want to share that awesomeness with everyone. But by "helping" out in class, you're inadvertently discrediting the teacher's knowledge and mastery of the subject and her ability and authority to control the class by shifting others' focus to you. And that is... not helpful.
Want to know how to really help when you're attending a group class that's more elementary than the level you're striving for?
Be the most helpful student possible.
- Dance to the best of your ability, providing a strong frame and timing (yeah, this means you too, Follows).
- Listen to whatever is being presented and apply it to your dancing. Already have that info perfected? Yeah? ... Really? REALLY? ...But really?
- If your well-meaning newbie partner asks you a question, smile and nod "yes" or shake your head "no" to the simple question or...
- Raise your hand at the appropriate time to ask the question that was directed to you.
- Help direct people when rotating partners.
The purpose of a group class is for you (and everyone else, no matter what level they claim) to practice your dancing with different partners within the confines (proficiency level, specific dance and style, particular pattern, practical techniques) of the material presented and to ask relevant questions, if the need arises.
