September 18, 2018 - Olivia Mode-Cater
Dance ED Tip #43:
Dance teachers’ tips on how to save your voice while teaching!
I don’t know about you, but it’s week 3 and my throat is killing me! Saving my voice is a constant issue in my teaching practice. I always get caught up in the moment and end up shouting over music or projecting loudly, even when I don’t need to. I’ve gotten into the habit of clapping students in for 5, 6, 7, 8 instead of saying it. It helps, but it hasn’t fixed my problem. That is why I turned to all of you to help me figure out better solutions! I was amazed by the amount of awesome suggestions and I thought that many other dance educators could benefit from hearing your answers. So, without further ado, here are your Dance ED Tips on how to save your voice while teaching:
@thebeaglequeen:
- I get a more advanced student to lead while I control the music
- Let students take turns “leading” or have them make up the combinations
@annandag
- Student leaders, peer to peer feedback, group discussion…basically having the students talk for most of the time
@cnrodriguez1036
- When it’s bothering me I drink hot water and a lemon honey ricola cough drop dissolved in it (I hate tea lol)
- Also, I try to focus on projecting my voice from my diaphragm instead of just from my lungs/throat
@mksapata
- SO MUCH TEA AND HONEY (especially instead of coffee bc milk makes it worse)
@courdance
- Throat Coat Tea!
@foreverdancer
- Throat coat tea or throat coat spray look up on amazon
@a.l.l.i.s.o.n.
- I drink more water and I take breaks from talking whenever I feel like I’m straining
- Singers have this problem… they use Echinacea spray.
@aryn.kay
- I use essential oil thieves throat drop. It is strong, but definitely works. :)
@jessicalewisarts
- I tell my students that I am loosing my voice (which is true) and speak extra quietly
- It increases their focus as they have to listen
@eliemax
- Take a few voice lessons to learn forward placement and moving the breath! Life saver!
@jamierose06
- As unprofessional as it is, I’ve found that chewing gum while teaching helped me a ton!
@mixxk_roxygirl
- Lifesaver peppermints between classes and on water breaks!
@ladycrunktress
- Gargle salt water every morning!
@alysonallegra
- I transition to my “head voice” (thanks voice lessons!) to take the strain off :)
- When all else fails..a stash of throat coat tea and honey!
Happy teaching!
Olivia
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