The power of group focus

The power of group focus and agreement. I don't think there is anyone who hasn't experienced the effect of a group of people all focused on a common goal. Certainly, no parades would ever occur, no presidents would be elected (hmmmm...) and no culture would exist. Group focus and commitment is a powerful thing.

I emphasize this when I instruct group classes. Teaching all these years has been an amazing Petri dish to experiment in and I've discovered over time and trial that there are very specific things that can nearly guarantee that each person in the group class has a good experience learning to dance. These things insure that each person in the group class gains at least a modest level of proficiency and is included - while some may be more challenged than others, no-one gets lost. It may not be every teacher's style and not everyone is comfortable asking a group of people to work together towards a goal. I guess some teachers aren't aware of the possibilities that exist in directing their students to focus on working as a unit while in a group class rather than as independent students and "helpers". There is time for that perhaps after or before, but during class the focus is on group learning...Where a bunch of individuals come together and create a group field. A group field of chaos does not make for the optimal learning environment...though a certain amount is actually a healthy component. The container, and that which shapes the group, is the group intention. This container, much like the dance frame need not be entirely rigid, we are just setting the tone of optimal learning.

No, not everyone is going to be completely stimulated by every minute of every group class and yes, some people will get a little confused. But the key is to remember...our intention is powerful especially when magnified by all participants in the group.