FINAL REFLECTION

 

 1

 

Sofia Yarosh

Final Reflection -Yarosh, Sofia

This class taught me a lot about how to actually teach dance, not just perform it. I learned how to plan lessons, break down movements in a simple way, and make sure students of all levels can understand. One big takeaway was how important it is to create a positive and inclusive environment so students feel comfortable participating. I also learned how to manage a class, keep students engaged, and adjust lessons depending on the group. Overall, it showed me that teaching dance takes a lot of patience, organization, and creativity.

At first, I felt a little unsure about teaching because it’s very different from just dancing myself. It was kind of intimidating being in front of others and leading a class. But over time, I became more confident and comfortable. I started to enjoy planning lessons and seeing how others responded to them. The class was really supportive, which made it easier to try and improve. By the end, I felt much more prepared and less nervous about teaching.

Even though I’m going into medicine, I think this class was really useful. Teaching dance is a lot like explaining things to patients. You have to be clear, patient, and able to adjust based on the person. It helped me practice communication skills and learn how to break things down in a simple way, which will be important when explaining medical information. It also showed me how important it is to be supportive and understanding, which will help me connect better with patients in the future.

 

2

 Kylie Evenson

Paragraph 1: Takeaways
One of my biggest takeaways from this class is how important it is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels comfortable participating. I learned how to use creative dance and frameworks like BEST-R to structure lessons while still allowing for creativity and self-expression, and how planning and assessment all work together to create an effective learning experience.

Paragraph 2: How I felt learning in this class
Throughout this class, I felt challenged in a positive way because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me think differently about teaching and movement. Typical memorization patterns that I was used to in class my whole life weren't applicable here and it was actually refreshing for once.  At first it was intimidating to teach and be creative in front of others, but over time I became more confident and really enjoyed how engaging and hands-on the class was.

Paragraph 3: Applying this to marketing and entrepreneurship
I can apply what I learned to marketing and entrepreneurship by focusing on how to create meaningful experiences that connect with people. Understanding how environment, creativity, and structure influence behavior will help me design better customer experiences, build stronger brands, and communicate ideas more effectively.

 

3

Dylan Hersh Final Reflection

One of the biggest takeaways from this class was understanding how movement can be used as a tool for both learning and self-expression. I learned that dance and teaching dance is not just about choreography, but about awareness, creativity, and connection between the mind and body. Concepts like the kinesthetic loop showed me how people learn through doing, adjusting, and repeating, which applies far beyond dance. I also took away the importance of creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves. Overall, the class taught me how structure and creativity can work together to help people grow.

At first, I was a little unsure of what to expect, especially since dance was not something I had much experience in. Over time, I became more comfortable and started to enjoy the process of moving freely without worrying about being perfect. The class felt very different from traditional academic courses, which made it more engaging and refreshing. I appreciated how interactive and open the environment was, and it made learning feel less stressful and more natural. By the end, I felt more confident in my ability to step outside my comfort zone and try new things.

As a finance major, this class might seem unrelated at first, but it actually provided valuable skills that I can apply to my career. The emphasis on confidence, adaptability, and communication is extremely relevant in business settings, especially in areas like finance where working in teams and presenting ideas is important. The idea of the kinesthetic loop also connects to how I learn and improve professionally, through repetition, feedback, and adjustment. Additionally, understanding how to create an engaging and supportive environment can translate into leadership and management roles. Overall, this class helped me develop soft skills that will be useful in both my professional and personal life.

 

4

Kyle Urdan

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is that dance does not have to be perfect to be good. I learned that movement can be simple and still meaningful. I also learned how important it is to keep students engaged and comfortable, especially through games like Musical Chairs. It showed me that people learn better when they are having fun and not overthinking.

I really enjoyed this class a lot. It felt different from my other classes because it was more relaxed and fun. I liked that there was no pressure to be perfect, and I could just move and be myself. The energy was always good, and it was a nice break from normal school work. I felt more confident and comfortable as the class went on.

I would apply what I learned in this class to my field by keeping things simple and engaging. Whether it is in sports or communication, people respond better when things are clear and enjoyable. I learned that creating a good environment and keeping people involved is very important. I would use this mindset in my future career to connect with people better and keep them engaged.

 

5

 

Benjamin Greenstein

Final Reflect

One of the biggest takeaways I had from DAN 385 with Jorge was learning how important it is to create a positive learning environment for children. I learned that students are more likely to participate, feel confident, and enjoy dance when they feel supported and encouraged and allowed to use their creativity to support their learnings.  Another major takeaway was learning how to build lesson plans and curriculums that are organized, engaging, and age-appropriate. I also learned about the kinesthetic loop and how movement, repetition, and feedback all work together to help children learn more effectively.

I really enjoyed learning in this class because it was very different from my other courses. It was interesting to think about dance from the perspective of a teacher rather than only as a student, which differs from my dance movement therapy class and dance improvisation class. Building my own teaching philosophy and teaching my lesson on the mind-body connection ended up being one of the best parts of the class for me. 

Although my field of study is finance, and i will be continuing with my self employment, I think many of the things I learned in this class can still apply to my future career. Being able to communicate clearly, stay patient, create structure, and adapt to different people are all important skills in business as well. Building lesson plans is similar to creating organized systems or presentations, and developing a teaching philosophy is similar to building a leadership style. This class helped me improve skills that I can use in my future career, especially when working with clients, leading teams, and explaining ideas to others.

Overall Jorge thank you you are the best and the best professor of UM and the world.

 

 6

 

Destiny Curry

Final Reflection

Teaching dance takes a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work to properly plan and execute lessons, especially when considering the needs of the right audience. One key point that stood out to me from the professor was the importance of having backup plans in case something does not go as expected. There are many factors that come into play when teaching dance to a group of students. Instructors must consider the different skill levels of each student, ensure that everyone feels included, especially those with disabilities, and be prepared to handle situations where students may not understand the material or may lose focus. Additionally, lessons must be carefully planned minute-by-minute, including when to incorporate breaks to maintain engagement and energy.

Overall, it was an insightful experience. At times, I felt a bit out of place because I am not as flexible or as quick in my movements as others. However, I did what I was able to do, and I am comfortable with that. The professor was very effective in using visuals and clear explanations, demonstrating strong knowledge and teaching ability. The class environment itself was welcoming and accepting, which made the experience more enjoyable.

As a Business Management major, there are several lessons I can apply to my field. The importance of thorough planning and understanding the people you work with stood out the most. In many ways, a workplace functions like a family, so it is essential to build strong relationships and appreciate the individuals you work alongside. Diverse perspectives and personalities contribute to better ideas and more effective teamwork. Additionally, organizing daily tasks and preparing for unexpected challenges by having backup plans are crucial skills in both dance and business settings.

In conclusion, dance and business go hand in hand, as both require structure, adaptability, teamwork, and thoughtful planning to achieve success.

 

7

Harley Honig

Final Reflection

In this dance class, one of my most important takeaways was learning how structured frameworks can actually support creativity instead of limiting it. The BEAST-R model (Body Awareness, Energy, Action, Space, Time, and Relationships) helped me understand that dance is not random movement, but something that can be intentionally designed and organized. I also learned how much thought goes into planning a movement experience, from warm-ups to transitions to group activities. Another key takeaway was that dance is a form of communication, not just performance. It can tell stories, express emotions, and build connection between people without needing words. I also realized how important collaboration is in dance, because group work requires awareness, respect, and adaptability.

Overall, I felt really positive learning in this class. It was one of the most engaging learning environments I’ve been in because it combined physical movement with creativity and reflection. I felt more confident over time participating in activities, even when I wasn’t sure if I was doing things “right,” because I learned that there isn’t always one correct way to move. The class also helped me feel more comfortable working with others and expressing myself without overthinking. At times, I felt challenged, especially when asked to improvise or create movement on the spot, but those moments helped me grow and trust my own ideas more. I also appreciated how active the class was because it made learning feel more natural and memorable.

I can apply what I learned in this class to my future field of study as a school social worker. One of the biggest skills I am taking with me is organization and planning. Creating dance sequences and lessons taught me how important it is to structure activities clearly while still allowing flexibility, which is something I will need when working with students in a school setting. I also learned how to read group dynamics and understand how people interact in shared spaces, which is directly connected to social work. Additionally, I think the idea of using movement and expression can be very helpful in supporting students emotionally, especially those who may struggle to express themselves verbally. This class showed me that learning can be creative, interactive, and emotionally meaningful, and I want to bring that same mindset into my future work with children and adolescents.

 

8

 

Marco Sloane

final reflection

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is that dance doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. I learned that even simple movement can carry value. I also realized how important it is to keep students engaged and comfortable, especially through activities like Musical Chairs. It showed me that people learn more effectively when they’re having fun and not overthinking.

I really enjoyed this class. It felt different from my other courses because it was more relaxed and enjoyable. I appreciated the lack of pressure to be perfect, which allowed me to just move and be myself. The energy was consistently positive, and it provided a refreshing break from typical schoolwork. Over time, I felt more confident and at ease.

I would apply what I learned to my field by focusing on simplicity and engagement. Whether in sports or communication, people respond better when things are clear and enjoyable. I learned that creating a positive environment and keeping people involved is key, and I would carry that mindset into my future career to better connect with others and maintain their engagement.

 

9

 

Jackson Bass

Reflection

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is how much work actually goes into teaching dance, not just doing it. I learned how to build out lesson plans, break movements down so they’re easy to understand, and make sure everyone in the class can follow along no matter their level. Something that stood out to me was how important it is to create a positive and inclusive environment, because people are way more willing to participate when they feel comfortable. I also realized that teaching isn’t just about showing moves, it’s about planning, staying organized, and being able to adjust on the spot if something isn’t working.

At the beginning, I definitely felt a little unsure about teaching because it’s completely different from just dancing myself. Being in front of a group and leading was a bit intimidating at first. But as the class went on, I got more comfortable and started to enjoy it a lot more. I liked the process of creating lessons and seeing how people responded to them. The environment in the class made it easier to try things without worrying too much about messing up. By the end, I felt way more confident and a lot less nervous about teaching.

Even though I’m planning on going into business, I can still apply a lot of what I learned in this class. Teaching dance is actually pretty similar to doing business plans as you have to be clear, patient, and able to adjust depending on the person. Not everyone learns or understands things the same way, so being able to communicate in different ways is really important to your partners. I also think creating a comfortable environment translates directly, because people are more open and responsive when they feel at ease. Overall, this class helped me build communication and leadership skills that I can definitely use in my future career.

 

10

 

Taylor Shirk

Reflection

Takeaways

My overarching takeaways from this class are the importance of being prepared and meeting people where they are at. When teaching, it's essential to learn about your students, and teach in a way that works for each individual. I have a better understanding of my purpose when it comes to teaching dance, and how to make my actions as a teacher match my goals for the students. I have also been able to look at my past teaching experiences and reflect about my methodologies. 

How did you feel?

This class was a very new format for me. I am used to a more rigid, lecture style class, where you either get it or you don't. (Which this year, has led to me not really attending my math lectures anymore because I fell behind and it's forced me to catch up by myself from home.) As a younger student, and as a child with a lot of confidence, I did not have an issue with this "keep it pushing" teaching style, and did not have much sympathy for students who were falling behind. Now, I understand the benefit of ensuring you don't leave any of your students behind. Taking this class, and realizing I can make the curriculum work for me, and get a lot done even when other students may not, has led to this realization. Some days, I still prefer a more structured class, but I can now recognize the benefits of different teaching styles. 

How would you apply what you learned to your own field of study? 

I have a variety of fields of studies these days, but as I prepare to start my work as a client-facing tech support type role, I am thinking about meeting my clients where they are at, in terms of their technical knowledge. I am also thinking about listening more and developing a strong understanding about my co-workers and how they work best. 

11

 

Allie Knott

Final Reflection

My main takeaway from this class is how important it is to create a curriculum when teaching. Before, I didn’t really think much about that and assumed you could just plan as you go, but now I see how much intention it actually takes. Learning about different types of curriculum, like holistic and behavioral, showed me that teaching isn’t just about what you’re covering, but also about how students are experiencing and understanding it. It made me realize that having a clear curriculum helps create a more effective and comfortable learning environment where people can stay engaged and improve.

I really enjoyed learning in this class. At first, I was honestly a little nervous about having to teach a lesson on my own and didn’t really know what to expect from everyone else’s lessons either. But once we got into it, I ended up having a really fun time. It was interesting to see how everyone had their own approach to teaching, and it made the class feel more dynamic. Overall, I liked how engaging each lesson was, which made it easier to stay involved and actually enjoy the experience.

I would apply what I learned to my future work in the medical field by being more intentional about how I communicate and teach patients. Just like we talked about in class with creating a curriculum, I can see how important it is to have a clear plan when explaining medical information, so patients can actually understand and follow it. I also think about how different people learn in different ways, which will help me adjust how I talk to patients depending on their needs.

 

12

 

 

 

Julia Ford

Final Reflection

One of my biggest takeaways from this class was learning that curriculum is much more than just lesson plans because it includes recommended, written, taught, supported, assessed, learned, and hidden curriculum. I also learned the importance of creating a safe and positive learning environment where students feel supported, respected, and motivated to participate. Another important takeaway was understanding how social and emotional learning helps students build skills such as empathy, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships. I also learned that movement and dance can be used as powerful teaching tools to help students build confidence, creativity, and self-expression.

I felt inspired and motivated while learning in this class because it connected education to creativity and real-life student growth. It was exciting to learn how teaching strategies, movement, and emotional support can all work together to create meaningful learning experiences. I also felt challenged in a positive way because the class made me think deeply about how to teach different learners and how to build a classroom culture where students can succeed. Overall, I felt engaged and encouraged because the lessons were practical and connected to my passion for dance and helping others grow.

I would apply what I learned to my field of dance by creating classes that focus not only on technique, but also confidence, teamwork, and self-expression. I would use strategies such as breaking choreography into smaller sections, using different learning styles, and encouraging students to express emotions through movement. I would also create a supportive studio environment where students feel safe to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow as performers. In addition, I would include wellness practices such as breathing exercises, gratitude, and movement breaks to support students mentally and physically.

 

13

 

 

Amanda Drobes

reflection

1. One of my biggest takeaways from this class is the importance of teaching movement as a holistic experience rather than just focusing on technique. I learned how essential it is to incorporate emotional awareness, creativity, and student-centered learning into every lesson. Concepts like the kinesthetic loop reinforced that students learn best by actively experiencing movement, not just memorizing it. I also gained a deeper understanding of how structured planning, such as unit plans, lesson plans, and behavioral expectations, all work together to create an effective and engaging learning environment.

2. Throughout this class, I felt increasingly confident in my ability to teach and lead others. At first, some of the concepts felt more theoretical, but as we began applying them through movement and teaching exercises, everything became much more tangible. I especially enjoyed the hands-on aspects of the course, where I could actively practice teaching and observe others. This made the learning process feel engaging and relevant. Overall, the class pushed me outside of my comfort zone in a positive way and helped me grow both as a student and as a future instructor.

3. I plan to apply what I learned in this class directly to my work in the fitness industry, particularly as an instructor in environments like Barry's and CorePower Yoga. The emphasis on clear communication, structured class planning, and creating an inclusive environment is directly transferable to leading group fitness classes. I will also use concepts like the kinesthetic loop to help clients better connect with their movements and improve performance. Additionally, the focus on building confidence and fostering a supportive community aligns closely with my goals as an instructor, allowing me to create classes that are not only physically effective but also empowering for participants.

 

 

14

 

Emi Mizrahi Daniel

Reflection

Paragraph 1: Takeaways

One of my biggest takeaways from this class was understanding that teaching is much deeper than simply giving information. Effective teaching requires planning, adaptability, emotional awareness, and the ability to create an environment where students feel motivated to learn. I also learned the importance of designing lessons with clear objectives, engaging activities, and reflection opportunities. Another major takeaway was realizing that every student learns differently, so strong teachers must be flexible, creative, and responsive to the needs of their students.

Paragraph 2: How I Felt Learning in This Class

Learning in this class felt both inspiring and eye-opening. It made me appreciate how much intention goes into becoming an effective educator. I enjoyed thinking creatively about how to make learning meaningful, engaging, and memorable for students. At times, the class challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, especially when creating lesson plans or presenting ideas, but that challenge helped me grow. Overall, I felt empowered because the class showed me that teaching can be both structured and deeply human.

Paragraph 3: Applying What I Learned to My Own Field of Study

As a psychology student, I can apply many concepts from this class directly to my future career. Teaching and psychology both require understanding human behavior, motivation, communication, and emotional needs. If I work in counseling or mental health settings, I will need to explain ideas clearly, guide people through growth, and create safe environments for learning and healing. This class also reinforced the importance of patience, empathy, and meeting individuals where they are, which are essential skills in psychology. The strategies I learned here will help me become a stronger communicator, leader, and future professional.

 

 

15

Anna Markov

final reflection

Takeaways:

My main takeaways from this class are that being a teacher is much more than just disseminating knowledge and information for your students. As an adult, you serve as a guide to your students and so it is also your job to create an environment where everyone feels safe and respected while also ensuring that you remember that in any times of frustration you may have due to misbehavior or lack of attention to the task at hand. It is so much more than just learning about a certain course as it is also about learning how to handle yourself and your relationships with others (whether from your position as a peer or as a teacher who is leading the group.)

How did I feel learning in this class:

I loved this class and felt very comfortable to be myself. I thoroughly enjoyed our learning environment and getting to learn this information about teaching. Being in this class increased my confidence in what I know in teaching as a whole. At first, I didn’t really get the difference between being a teacher, a coach, or a mentor, but breaking those down made me realize how important it is to change your approach depending on who is standing in front of you. Even the smallest differences in action can make the biggest difference to the way someone can perceive something and you never know how much that impact can mean on someone.

Application:

Looking ahead to a career in law, I can see myself using these strategies every day. The idea of learning by doing is huge in legal work (you can read the books all day, but you don't really understand a case until you’re active in the process of solving it). I’ll also definitely use the start with the end goal mindset since you have to know what the final successful outcome looks like and then meticulously plan every step backward to get there. Most importantly, I want to bring safe environment into my legal practice as it can be intimidating so creating a space where people feel seen and encouraged to tell their stories is going to be essential for building trust and getting to the truth.

 

 

16

 

 

Deja Smith

  Reflection

Paragraph 1: Takeaways
What stood out to me most in this class was how much the environment affects whether people actually participate or not. When students feel comfortable, they’re more willing to engage. I also learned how to organize lessons using things like movement and the BEST-R model without making everything feel too strict. It made me realize that having a plan is important, but you still need flexibility so people can express themselves.

Paragraph 2: How I felt learning in this class
This class felt really different from what I’m used to. I’ve always had classes where you just memorize information, so this was more interactive than anything I’ve done before. In the beginning, I wasn’t very comfortable teaching or being creative in front of others, but I got used to it over time. By the end, it felt a lot more natural and I actually liked how involved the class was.

Paragraph 3: Applying this to marketing and entrepreneurship
I think I can use what I learned in this class in marketing  by focusing more on how people connect with experiences. It’s not just about presenting something—it’s about how it makes people feel and respond. Understanding how structure, creativity, and environment work together can help me come up with better ideas, connect with people more effectively, and build something that stands out.

 

 17

  Mia Scheidter

Final Reflection

1. One of my biggest takeaways from this class is how important it is to actually understand how people learn, not just what they learn. Things like different types of assessments, learning styles, and how to keep students engaged really stood out to me. I also learned that teaching isn’t just about giving information, it’s about creating an environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to participate. The idea of adjusting lessons based on students’ needs and progress was something I found really valuable.

2. Overall, I felt like this class was really helpful and interesting. At first, some of the concepts felt a little confusing, but once I started connecting them to real-life situations, it made a lot more sense. I liked that it wasn’t just memorization and that we actually thought about how to apply things. It made me more aware of how different students can be and how teaching has to be flexible. It also made me appreciate how much effort goes into planning lessons.

3. As a psychology major who wants to work with kids, I think this class will be really useful for me. Understanding how kids learn, behave, and respond to different teaching strategies will help me support them better, especially in settings like therapy or school-based programs. I can use things like formative assessment to check how a child is doing in real time and adjust my approach if needed. It also helped me realize how important it is to create a safe and supportive environment so kids feel comfortable expressing themselves and learning.

 

18

 

 

Jack Marounian

One of the most valuable things I took away from this class is that dance doesn't have to be flawless to be impactful. Even the simplest movements can carry real meaning when done with intention. Another big lesson was how much the environment matters. Activities from the course showed me that when people are relaxed and having fun, they absorb things naturally without overthinking it.

This class stood out from everything else I was taking. There was a lightness to it that my other courses didn't have. For example, there felt like there was no judgment, but rather just movement and energy. I appreciated being able to show up and simply be myself. That comfort built over time, and by the end I felt noticeably more confident than when I started.

Going forward, I plan to carry these lessons into my career. Whether I'm working in business, sports, or any team setting, I now understand that keeping things simple and the atmosphere positive makes a huge difference. People engage more when they feel at ease. Creating that kind of environment, one where others feel included and motivated, is something I'll be intentional about no matter where I end up.

 

19

 

 Sophia Yormark 

Final Reflection

As a dance minor who has spent her last three summers teaching dance at a sleep-away camp to kids ages 6-16 and still dances in college on the Hurricanette Dance Team, this course was very eye-opening to me. I was able to learn that every child learns different, different ways to navigate studio/classroom situations, and how to create a teaching plan in order to have success as an instructor. I have made great friendships and memories in this class as well! I loved it. 

When it came to learning in this class, I thought I knew everything about teaching since I had been doing it for the past few years, but there was so much I still had yet to learn. Not only was there a great learning environment on the classroom and all the students were very respectful. I enjoyed the layout of the class too! The discussion boards, class videos, interactive movement, and working in groups for assignments. 

Wherever life takes me, Methods of Teaching Dance will always remain with me. I will take the discipline, planning ahead, sometimes having to pivot if something does not go as planned, and the ability to work with people in all my endeavors of life. Thank you so much!