It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer

Everyone has their own facilitation style. Facilitation is an art form, much like dancing or playing in a band. In dancing, you have to hold a rhythm with your partner. In a band, you collaborate and co-create without straying too far from the score. Whatever your artistry, there are good practices and “ best practices”. Here are some tips for ballroom dancers that apply equally to masterful facilitators.

· Make your partner feel at ease.
· Lead gently.
· Value the role of your partner.
· Be enthusiastic.
· Smile.
· Stay focused.
· Don’t let them see you sweat.
· Turn imperfections into improvisations.
· Use proper form and make it yours.
· Use appropriate ballroom etiquette.
· Take lessons from a good teacher, not just a good dancer.
· Don’t wobble, or lose your beat.
· When you dance, your body should be in continuous motion.

And my personal favourite…

· Put some snap in your spin.