Let’s get this out of the way…I’m a lefty. And yes, that is why I am doing this post.

As a left-handed dancer I know that there are a few special challenges that teachers should be aware of. For one thing, learning turns may go better on the left side. This is actually a safety issue when you are working on teaching pirouettes for the first time.

I always ask my students if there are any lefties in the room, just so I am aware of the fact that they may have more difficulty picking up combinations that are demonstrated and done first on the right side.

Not all dancers follow handedness in the dance classroom, however. For example–even though I am left-handed, my turns are better on the right. Each student will need to be assessed individually to discover their strengths and challenges. Still, if you are aware of them, you will be more effective as an instructor.

If you have not yet asked your students about this…consider incorporating it into your class. For some students it can really make a world of difference.