LEADERSHIP Lesson

MUVE is all about community. When we dance with others we enjoy their presence and can have fun using their creative ideas. Because some people are shy about being the center of attention, we want to learn about leadership in a non-threatening way.

In every group there are 3 types of dancers. The “hams” are not shy at all and will immediately want to fulfill the leadership role of a Muse. The “team-players” are cautious at first, but will step up to the lead with a little encouragement from the group and the help of the conceptual ideas. The “wall-flowers” are shy, might even feel awkward, and will need more time to warm up to the idea of standing in the spotlight. Do not force students to lead. Being a Muses should be voluntary.

To help your students get used to leading the group, you can introduce a game like the Circle JUMP or the Cascading WAVE, where they only lead for a very short time. As the confidence of your group grows, your students will be able to lead for longer periods. Encourage all to volunteer to be a member of the Muse-Circle (7-Muse Circle.) Make sure to praise especially your shy students’ efforts in leadership.

Sample Videos for the LEADERSHIP Lesson

Random versus In-line Muse-changes (Who is leading next?)

You can ask the dancers to take the lead one after another, going down the line in one direction. Or you can request individuals to jump in randomly, whenever the lead-position is available.

With the random Muse-change your students will learn how to take a risk and jump forward, to assert themselves as well as to watch out for each other and give others the right of way (see video “If I ever feel better” above.) Dancers who have already been in the lead should hold back to let others have a chance. But if nobody else jumps in they can take the opportunity.

The in-line Muse change, where leadership is handed over down the line, makes for faster changes. It prompts every student to participate and take the leadership role. It’s a good warm up for new or shy students. Random Muse changes are more exciting for hams and experienced MUVE dancers.