What do you love about teaching parent/child classes?

In general, teaching young children is both a lesson in creativity and an adventure in joy. For the very young child, movement is so natural that it is a seemingly normal extension for them to move freely, jump for joy or twirl until they fall down breathlessly giggling. Having classes where the parent is side by side with their young child is an exquisite opportunity for a parent to see into the essence of their child. They see them process information, they see them assert themselves, they notice them struggle to master a task, they see them interact socially as well as be mesmerized by even the simplest of things. 

How did you learn to teach this class – content, pace, etc? Who are your role models?

I have taught for the University of Utah Tanner Dance program for over 25 years, but I suspect that what most informed my teaching approach is growing up dancing. Deciding on content is easy; inspiration is everywhere, and dance is a language that we all can connect to and which speaks to the most human parts of our being. Pacing is crucial, however; the timing cues. An excellent teacher is constantly assessing the pace and wonderment of the class.

What are some of the challenges?

I believe the biggest challenge for today’s children is keeping their wonder and awe focused on the beauty around them. There is a constant barrage of information available for children today, whether is it an Apple Watch on their wrist or social media surrounding them 24/7.  It is an important challenge for all arts educators to be sure to validate and encourage children to explore through the arts and to embrace beauty.

Your favorite aspect of dance classes for young children:

I love a portion of my parent/tot classes when I ask the parents to dance a lullaby with their child in their arms. Some parents swirl their child above their head (to the squeal and delight of the child) while others rock them gently in their arms. Either way, it is a basic need for that human connection, and it provides some of the sweetest moments within a class.

A resource to share with other teaching artists interested in parent/child classes (a workshop, book, website, etc):

Anything and everything…a snowflake, bubbles, balls, pinwheels, a book, a leaf, a parachute…

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Joni Urry Wilson began her dance career as a child with Virginia Tanner, and has continued performing and teaching nationally and internationally for the past 30 years. She received an Honors BFA from the University of Utah and her terminal degree, MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography, from Mills College. Ms. Wilson has taught dance at Mills College, Purdue University, Weber State University and University of Hawaii and workshops for teachers across the state as well as internationally. Joni is an artist-in-residence for the Utah Arts Council, Salt Lake Arts Council and VSA/Art Access, served on the USA national and local board for dance and the Child, and the Utah Dance Educators Organization board. Joni is Studio Director for the University of Utah Tanner Dance Program where she teaches students of all ages and abilities. Her full-time teaching includes classes for Virginia Tanner studio classes, The Children’s Dance Theatre, and Dancers with Disabilities classes. 

Find out more about Tanner Dance here.

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Related posts:

Becoming a Teaching Artist: 8 Ideas and Resources for Parent/Child Dance Classes

My Dance Week: Ashley Boyack

A Modern Dancer's Guide to…..Salt Lake City

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