Tips for coaching a dance team?

Question

I was just wondering if anyone knows of a book, or anything like it, that can help me with coaching a dance team? I coach a semi-pro cheerleading team (they dance only), and I am at my wits end with how to get the best out of them. They range in age from 18-26, and they are best at complaining, giving me attitude, and doing things their way. Their dancing is mediocre, at best, and I am tired of asking them to correct things when I know they won't. Huh,...they honestly think it's ok to make stupid mistakes on routines they've been practicing for almost a year. I'm in the military, so I only know one way to lead people, and it's proven to be unsuccessful in the past, because I am met with attitudes and arguing. These ladies are not being paid, at all. They get nothing out of this other than the joy of performing, but now I'm starting to think that's not enough anymore. I'm at my wits end!!! Please help!

Answer 1

I don't know how old you are, but if you're younger, make sure the team knows you're in charge and you mean business. If you try to be their friend, they'll lose respect for you and won't take you seriously when you have to critique or discipline them. This doesn't mean you have to be a drill sergeant, just make your expectations, rules, and consequences known immediately, and always follow through on them regardless of the dancer. You cannot play favorites (which I'll admit can be hard). When it's appropriate, of course, show them your "fun" side because this lets them know you're not just the mean coach. But, you cannot be afraid of critiquing and correcting the dancers. They might not like it, but if you don't do it, they won't get better.

Always be prepared for EVERY rehearsal, meeting, competition, etc. If there's too much downtime, the team will get bored and probably start acting up...plus it just wastes time. Know what you want to accomplish every time the team meets.

For competitions, always plan your routines early, and practice a lot. Try to avoid major changes in the routines closer to competition times because one of the dancers will inevitably forget the change at the competition.

For uniforms, really pay attention to your dancers bodies. You'll obviously need to measure for sizes, but make sure the uniforms will not only look okay on everyone, but can be worn by everyone (strapless tops for big-busted girls probably won't work--no support). I've been on teams where coaches chose uniforms that flattered some, but made others look awful (and trust me, those girls knew it). Once you get the uniforms, practice routines full out in them BEFORE wearing them to a competition. I've seen an entire dance team flash their chests to the judges and audience at a national competition. Had they practiced in them, they would have found that problem earlier and would've spared those girls the major embarrassment.

I know this was long, but I hope it helped. Good luck with your team!