Sierra recently returned from teaching in Taiwan and shares some of here experiences!
SIERRA: I was teaching in Taiwan for 6 weeks.
QBC: What was the highlight from teaching abroad?
SIERRA: It is unbelievably reassuring how dance is its own language. Although Taiwan's second language is English, a lot of students (especially adults) struggled with complex terminology therefore a lot of the time I resorted to showing movement and using motions to express what I wanted and within seconds the students picked it up.
QBC: What were some challenges you faced teaching in Taiwan?
SIERRA: Trying to inspire the students with musicals that in Canada are/were popular was a struggle. They live in a bit of a musical theatre bubble of Phantom Of The Opera, The Secret Garden, and Annie. Most of them were unaware of Grease, Hairspray, Wicked etc.
QBC: What advice do you have for someone who wants to share their love of dance abroad?
SIERRA: It was such an incredible life experience! I learned so much about myself as a teacher, and would recommend any mature teacher who feels like they can be strong leader to experience teaching abroad as well.