Tips for Giving Constructive Criticism
It is intriguing that every television reality show can be reduced to a single concept: the ability to take criticism. The "winners" are those with the most tolerance and intellect to receive good and bad criticism, and discern which comments to consider or disregard. After that, it's a matter of who will take the critique and apply it to their "performance," and whether or not the comments make someone better or worse. The results of the show's "judges" reflect their opinions about a "contestant's" ability to overcome blunt or negative criticism, see where improvements can be made, and demonstrate the work required to achieve the changes. The biggest losers are always the biggest whiners!
The singing and skating competitions rely on survival of the fittest. The most stamina and ability to take a bruising wins, but the dance shows like (Dancing with the Stars) on ABC and Fox Television's (So You Think You Can Dance) have made it clear to the world that dancers take critique better (or worse) than any other artist. It boils down to the early training dancers receive in taking criticism. That's where the dance teacher plays an important part.
Professional dancers and dancers with genuine professional potential always receive criticism thoughtfully and know when to pay attention and change---or not. The ability to take criticism gracefully is a learned skill for everyone. No one is good at being corrected. Egos just weren't built to take criticism. Cindy Clough, owner/executive director of Just for Kix in Minnesota says, "I find the highest level dancers are those who are NOT fragile. They have thick skin and learn from critiquing, rather than letting it go in one ear and out the other."
Serious dancers then, need to be coached in taking criticism at the same time they learn technique, choreography, and studio etiquette. Good instructors and choreographers offer constructive criticism from a positive viewpoint even when correcting a mistake. "The person giving the critique needs to smile and offer positive support at the same time," continues Clough. "A pat on the back and 'I know you can get this,' will go a long way." It's important to teach dancers the art of taking criticism. Although "thick skin" helps, understanding that the coach or teacher has the best interests of the dancer at heart makes a big difference in how a dancer absorbs the comments. Helping dancers learn to ask for constructive criticism and to say thank you puts the whole process in to perspective. "The entire team needs to buy into the fact that if we all get better, we are more successful," says Clough.
Dance critique needs to be seriously thought through before it's given to students. Even when frustrations are high, directors need to remember to take a deep breath before making comments and corrections. It's natural to express dissatisfaction, and it's important to student development for teachers to give honest, helpful advice. Venting irritation, no matter how genuine the feeling, deteriorates learning rather than supports it. It may feel good at the moment to yell at your dancers, but as college administrator Jan Miller says, "Honesty is expensive!" The hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and resentment caused by such outbursts aren't usually worth the price. Loss of income, enrollment, support, and respect are potential results of angry criticism. Is that worth it? It's better to hold your tongue or leave the room for a few minutes if you are that upset.
Part of helping dancers understand that critique improves the individual as well as the group relies on their understanding what is expected of them. It isn't possible to know everything in advance, but well defined goals go a long way in providing motivation. If dancers know what is expected of them and they don't meet those expectations for whatever reason, criticism is much easier to take. Granted, the rudiments of technique are easier to standardize than esthetics and feelings, but it helps keep the atmosphere clear of negativity for dancers to know what is being asked of them.
Great Moves!
Positive goals and aspirations. Post supportive quotations for everyone to see. For example:
"In life as in the dance: Grace glides on
blistered feet."
"Alice Abrams, jewelry designer
"Good dancers fall down. Great
dancers get up."
Norma Gunter, ballet teacher
"What really matters is what you do
with what you have."
Shirley Lord, writer
"Dancers are instruments, like a piano
the choreographer plays."
George Balanchine, New York
City Ballet
There are no bad dancers. Everybody has the right to dance. It's a matter of finding the movement that suits the dancer.
Start with what the dancer did well then proceed to the critique. Use a pleasant tone of voice when making corrections.
Be honest but considerate. Criticism delivered from a position of respect is more productive than yelling.
Be encouraging. "With correct practice, you will improve." Not everyone is a "born dancer." Everyone has to practice something at sometime in their dance career.
Be willing to submit yourself to evaluation. Demonstrate how to take criticism by allowing your students to comment on you from time to time. Written questionnaires or asking for letters of evaluation will let everyone know that the critique street goes both ways in your studio.
Expectations, a positive attitude, respect, and self-control will make critiquing your students as easy to give as to receive.
Joy Held is the author of Writer Wellness, A Writer's Path to Health and Creativity from New Leaf Books (2003.) She is a registered Yoga Alliance Teacher-500 and teaches dance and yoga for her family owned studio in West Virginia. Contact:
yogajoy@charter.net.