Presence Matters: Line Dance Instructors' Development

🎤✨ NEW Instructor Workshop Added to Restart 2026! ✨🎤

I’m excited to introduce a brand-new “Presence Matters” workshop created especially for line dance instructors at Restart 2026!

🔥 “Own the Stage: Voice & Body Language Tips for Instructors”
Hosted by Gerard Murphy

Great instruction is about more than teaching steps, it’s about presence, confidence, communication, and connection!

In this interactive workshop, instructors will learn how to:

✅ Synchronize body language and voice for maximum impact
✅ Command the room with authority and energy using posture, gestures, and voice dynamics
✅ Enhance their presence to inspire and engage dancers on the floor

Whether you teach weekly classes or special events this session is designed to help you elevate your impact and strengthen your connection with your dancers.

📅 Check the final event schedule for time and location

I’m thrilled to continue expanding our instructor-focused offerings at Restart and can’t wait to share this experience with you!

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💬 Drop a comment and tell me — what’s the biggest challenge instructors face when commanding a room?

Have you been heckled by a dancer in your class? It happens - even to seasoned instructors. See the message here from Simon Ward!

I think instructors need to be armed with the skills to manage this situation with confidence. It takes assertive communication skills to address a heckler with professionalism and respect. And I expect Simon dealt with it in great form. 🙂👍

I have one ‘magic pill’ communication technique that I teach professional speakers and educators to use to manage this classic interrupting behaviour. Come learn it at one of my workshops at an upcoming weekend event!

A lot of the line dance instructors I know would have the same reaction if I suggested watching a recording of themselves teaching:

“ABSOLUTELY NOT.” 😅

But honestly? The recording is just the truth. And uncomfortable as it can be, it’s often the fastest path to improving your at the front of the room!

In my years of helping educators and speakers to hone their craft, I’ve used video recording as an important technique. Here’s my suggestion:

When you watch yourself back, don’t just look for what went wrong. Start by writing down what went RIGHT - what you should CONTINUE:

➡️ Your energy.
➡️ Your connection.
➡️ Your smile.
➡️ Your cueing.
➡️ Your ability to make dancers feel welcome.
➡️ Etc.

Then, make some notes about what you should STOP or START. Be honest with yourself!

This self-reflection builds self-awareness and creates growth.

The camera might make you cringe a little but it can also help make you a better instructor.

What do you think? Would you watch yourself teaching on video? 🎥

Over time, I’ve come to understand the distinction between constantly striving to do, do, do more and the importance of simply being — showing up with intention and curiosity.

When it comes to perfection, I stopped chasing flawless outcomes and started focusing more on . On how I make people feel. On whether I am fully there in the moments that matter most. On how much time I spend listening versus speaking.

If that becomes part of my legacy, I’ll be deeply satisfied and shall exit with gratitude! 😊

Since launching my Presence Matters initiative, I’ve been sharing practical tips and strategies to help line dance instructors elevate their presence at the front of the room — because great teaching is about so much more than just knowing the steps!

Here are 9 key ingredients that I believe help make an instructor truly unforgettable. From connection and confidence to energy, adaptability, and heart, these are just a few things that can transform a class into an experience people remember.

What would you add to the list? 👇
I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Please like, comment, and share! ❤️

Please follow my NEW line dance page too! 👇👇👇

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589379518354

Gerard Murphy Line Dance International Line Dance Instructor, Choreographer and Emcee | Event Director | Speaking Professional

Stage Presence for line dance instructors — check out the next issue for my new article!

Das neue Living Line Dance Magazin ist FAST fertig!
Was haben wir drin?
KI im Line Dance – Songs und Choreografien von KI statt von Musikern und Choreografen? Ein heißes Eisen, von allen Seiten beleuchtet!
Im Porträt: Dan & Kelly Albro aus den USA
Tanztechnik: Diesmal Paddle Turns vs. Chug Turns
Dazu: Interview Gudrun Schneider, Tipps für Teacher „Steigere Deine Präsenz auf der Bühne“, eine bewegende Gesundheitsstory der australischen Choreografin Alison Johnston, Clubjubiäen. Wir stellen außerdem Country High aus der Schweiz vor, eine neue Plattform zum Erlernen von Line Dance und Technik, bringen Backgrounds zu Choreografie und Song „I’m a survivor“ sowie die Reiseberichte unserer Line Dance Reisen nach Sardinien und Sylt.
Dazu jede Menge andere interessante Neuigkeiten, Berichte und Tipps aus der Szene. Kein Grund, es nicht zu bestellen :-)
Ab Anfang Juni erhältlich - wir freuen uns !
Hier bestellen: https://www.living-linedance.de/bestellung

DONE! Super excited to have my next Presence Matters article drafted for the upcoming issue of Living Line Dance Magazine - published in early March, June, September and December in Germany, Austria and Switzerland!

Now for a hot cup of tea to help focus my final editing! ;)

/Gerard

Line Dance | Living Line Dance Magazin | Deutschland || Österreich || Schweiz Die ganze Welt des Line Dance in einem Magazin. Storys. Teacher. Choreografen. Technik. Events. Reisen

See you there!! More instructor training and new choreography to share! - at Vegas Dance Explosion 2026 😃

I’ve been reflecting on something that might ruffle a few feathers…however, it comes from a place of respect and love for our line dance community.

We have incredibly skilled dancers, talented choreographers, and dedicated instructors. But here’s the truth we don’t always say out loud: each of those roles requires its own unique set of competencies. And being exceptional in one area doesn’t automatically translate into being exceptional in another.

There you have it

Think about it. In everyday life, someone can be a brilliant doctor, electrician, lawyer, or tech expert… and still not have the skills to teach what they know. Teaching is its own craft. So is dancing. So is choreography.

After more than 30 years of honing my skills as a trainer, educator, and facilitator, I’ve learned that competence in a skill does not guarantee competence in teaching that skill. A highly awarded dancer isn’t automatically a top-tier instructor. A celebrated choreographer isn’t necessarily a strong teacher. And a skilled instructor might not be the strongest dancer or choreographer in the room.

And you know what?
That’s not just okay — it’s normal.

As a community, we need to make space for people to grow in the areas they want or need to develop. We need to be kind, supportive, and realistic rather than assuming everyone is operating at the same level across all domains.

No judgment. No shaming.

Not winning a choreography award doesn’t mean you can’t shine as an incredible instructor. Having a dance that doesn’t go viral doesn’t mean you can’t be a phenomenal dancer. Not excelling in one area doesn’t diminish your strengths in another.

Know your strengths.
Be proud of the skills you do have.
And show up with confidence — always.
As your remarkable and unique true self!