Dance ED Tip #43:  
Dance teachers’ tips on how to save your voice while teaching!

September 18, 2018 - Olivia Mode-Cater

 
 
 
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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