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If
children are interested, encourage them to dance. If children are not willing to dance, do not force them.
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Encourage dance
students to see live professional performances as often as possible.
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Eliminate focus
emphasis on winning. Focus instead on the child's efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the examination, performance or audition.
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Help
children to set realistic goals based on their individual ability and experience.
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Teach
children that an honest effort is as important as a victory, so that the results of each examination or performance are accepted without undue disappointment.
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Encourage children
to follow the rules and be a cooperative team member...
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Never
ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or not passing an examination.
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Remember, children
are dancing for their enjoyment, not yours.
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Remember that
children learn best by example so practice what you preach. Applaud good performances by all of the performers.
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Support all
efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from dance activities.
Adapted
from National Aussie Sport Program coaching manual—Australian Sports Commission, Bruce, ACT