Arthur Murray Dance Studio Kenilworth -

What is the “Curve of Learning”?

            College professors have a useful phrase to describe a student’s progress- they call it the “Curve of Learning”. Arthur Murray similarly uses “The Curve of Learning” to describe the levels that our students will be going through at a certain time.

The average students start out in high spirits. For the first few Private Lessons in Ballroom dancing, their confidence keeps mounting. They forge ahead quickly and feel that they will learn all there is to know in just another lesson or two. Unfortunately, that enthusiasm may cause the student to bite off more than he/she can chew, so to speak, which causes the curve to take a nose dive leaving the student feeling frustrated with his/her progress in their Private Lessons or Group Dance Classes.

However, once this point is passed, there shouldn’t be any trouble. Progress from here is usually steady. Even if it should happen that at some particular stage of these lessons you suddenly feel like saying, “I’ll never learn to dance- I might just as well give it up,” don’t be discouraged. You are probably then just about to begin to see the light. You are reaching the stage of understanding and from then on, your progress should be rapid.

Don’t worry if you have a few “ups and downs” in learning to dance. Far from being signs of hopelessness, they are a natural, normal, healthy part of the learning process! Remember the Curve of Learning- expect to learn more quickly some days than others- don’t try to learn everything all at once- and be sure your feet “know” each lesson before going on to the next!

What are the levels of the “Curve or Learning”?

1. The Initial Learning Stage: The student is introduced to the skill or step.
2. The Awkward Use Stage: The student has an increased awareness, but feels awkward and frequently experiences difficulty.
3. The Conscious Use Stage: The student is able to do the skill or step more effectively and easily; however, even though the task may look good, it must still be thought through when performed.
4. The Natural Use Stage: The skill or step is done with ease and is spontaneous, comfortable and creative. This level is reached only after a period of time in which the student has continued to use and practice the skill.

Reference: “How to Become a Good Dancer” by Arthur Murray

Melanie AMK

02-16-12

Arthur Murray Kenilworth is conveniently located on the Boulevard in Kenilworth, which is just minutes away from Clark, Cranford, Garwood, New Providence, Scotch Plains, Short Hills, Milburn and Westfield, New Jersey

Arthur Murray Kenilworth specializes in Wedding Dances, Private Dance Lessons, Group Classes, Social Dance Parties,

Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing, Merengue, Bolero, Vienese Waltz, Bachata, Country Western, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Mambo, Hustle, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, etc…

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