Lately, I have seen and heard a lot of discussion over tapless and self reversing choreography.  I find this dicussion really interesting, and yet so pointless.

I think instructors are alway looking for that great 'buzz' that comes from teaching a jam packed class and seeing people leave trembling and covered in sweat.  So we take it to the next level every time.  We want that 'buzz' every time. 

Step has become a weird bird - what started off as a cardio vascular training class, has become some kind of instructor led dance, complete with it's own timing and it's own language.  This can be said of a lot of different formats (ex: kickboxing, weight lifting, athletic drills), but is more true in step class. 

In our pursuit of that buzz, we often overlook something crucial to the long term success of our class (and our facility for that matter) - the participant.  Is this class successfully meeting the needs of the participant?  Do they feel proud or foolish when they leave class?

So - back to tapless choreography.  I have to ask "why?".  Why would we speed the progression of the patterns up by taking the taps out between movements?  Maybe there is a reason, but I am not seeing it. 

Why focus on 'self reversing'?  Isn't that a lot for the instructor to think about?  The instructor should be focused on their role as coach, not choreography.  The choreography should naturally self reverse if it has been planned to go along with the chorus and verse of the music.

I am a webmaster in my other life (full time job.)  Websites and aerobics classes are alike.  They both hinge on the user experience.  If the user has a positive experience and gets what they came for they will be back for more.

So think more about helping your participant succeed, and less about tapless and self-reversing.  Do you think your participant cares if you can teach a whole class without tapping?  No.  In my opinion it's a hinderance to a positive user experience because it frustrates the pants off the beginners and it distracts the instructor.

Here are my tips for a positive user experience in your classes:

1 - Outline and plan your class WAY before your music starts.  Know what you are going to teach and why.  Know what songs you are going to play, in what order, and why.  Carry a written outline with you to class.
2 - Keep your class exciting and motivating with great music.  The choreography should be secondary to the music.  The music should be the most exciting, fun thing about your class.  If you burn a CD containing all the songs you find motivating and fun, then write an outline of choreography to those songs, your class will be motivating and fun. (see Step to Radio Play for more about this concept)
3 - Stick to the format.  Give them the class they came to take - don't change things up unless the published schedule reflects that change.
4 - Stay positive.  You shall not let a negative utterance pass through your lips.  No talking about the bad traffic on the way to the gym, about your injured knee.  No gossiping.  You are the MOTIVATOR, ENTERTAINER, and COACH.
5 - Have fun!

"And that's all I have to say about that." - Forest Gump