Coaching That Builds Relationship

Teammates Mentoring One Another

By Nathan Campbell

“A two-day dance competition in ‘the cities;' what are your weekend plans?” I trade small talk with friends in passing throughout the week around campus. They don’t quite understand what exactly this event entails, but frankly, neither do I. Upon arrival at Dancers Studio, it doesn’t take long for me to remember why I dedicate so many hours to practice along with an already rigorous academic schedule: the community it provides. No two dancers have the same story, but at some point in each of their lives, they found dance, and they loved it. It’s this love that brought all of us together on a beautiful weekend in early March.

While I will always be grateful for the community of collegiate dancers in the Midwest, I sometimes forget to acknowledge a smaller community which I am honored to be a part of. This community is Luther Ballroom & Swing. At Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, the structure of our team differs greatly from many others, because we have no regular professional coach. While we are visited by professionals on occasion who provide valuable insights into our dancing, of which we are always grateful, the majority of our lessons throughout the year are taught by our fellow team members. It wasn’t until my second year at Dance Fest that I grasped the significance of this dynamic within our team. As I cheered on the teammates I had the opportunity to coach, I realized that we resemble a family more than a team. The reliance upon one another to improve upon our dancing, strengthens relationships within the team that become especially apparent in competition. When we compete, the success of my teammate is my success, and when I do well, I am reminded of how much my teammates have helped me grow as both a dancer and person. Therefore, our success at a competition like Dance Fest is not measured in ribbons or scholarships, but in relationships strengthened, and in memories shared.

The dynamic of learning within our team also fosters a sense of responsibility to those who taught you. They dedicated their time to improve their dancing, and they in turn had the patience to share their knowledge with me. Because of the efforts of my mentors and coaches, I feel responsible for passing along everything I have learned to those who follow me so that they can do the same.