QBC teacher and co-founder is currently teaching Master Classes in Dance Injury Prevention and Acrobatic Progressions for dance teachers in Monterrey and Mexico City, Mexico.
QBC: Tell me about teaching with a translator?
STEPHEN: Fortunately, I have had two amazing translators who are also dance educators themselves. The challenge is not saying too much before giving my translator a chance to process and communicate what I said. Many teachers here are bilingual, and willing to help. This meant when people had questions, everyone was willing to make sure the answers were clearly communicated to everyone in the room.
QBC: What were the acro students like in Mexico?
STEPHEN: The students here are wonderful! They are quite strong in acrobatics doing tumbling, front aerials, side aerials etc. Quite a few of them were also very flexible. Unfortunately, I only had time to work on skills and not get into any choreography, but the kids here are very hard working and fearless! A pleasure to teach!
QBC: What did you focus on while teaching Dance Injury Prevention?
STEPHEN: I focused on conditioning for core strength (low back injury prevention) as well as hip stability (because we dance externally rotated which is a more unstable position of the hip) and knee and ankle stability.
QBC: Anything else you would like to share from your experience?
STEPHEN: My favourite part of teaching outside of Canada is the reminder of how no matter what language we speak, we all come together on common ground as dance artists. It's amazing to have these moments with dancers from around the world, connecting because of our passion for dance education. I'm so impressed that so many teachers were willing to update their pedagogy by signing up for teacher training modules. I can't wait to return to Mexico!