Today, we’re talking about Illusion of Transparency.
The Illusion of Transparency refers to the tendency to overestimate how well others understand our thoughts, feelings, or intentions. We often assume that our emotions, intentions, or knowledge are clearer to others than they actually are, which can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. This cognitive bias can cause individuals to believe that others will “read between the lines” when, in reality, people often need explicit communication to fully understand someone’s intentions or instructions.
A Dance-Class Example
Imagine a dance instructor teaching a routine to a mixed-level class. They demonstrate the routine several times, assuming that their students understand all the nuances of the movement. However, the students may struggle, some missing key details because they couldn't see certain aspects of the demonstration clearly or because they learn better through verbal explanation or hands-on corrections. The instructor becomes frustrated, thinking, “Why don’t they get it? It’s so obvious!” The problem isn't the students’ lack of skill, but the instructor’s assumption that demonstrating the steps was enough to convey the full movement.
This situation illustrates the Illusion of Transparency—the instructor assumes that the students understand everything implicitly from watching, when in fact, the students need more explicit guidance. Different dancers learn in different ways: some are visual learners who benefit from watching, while others are kinesthetic learners who need to physically try the movement with feedback, or auditory learners who require verbal cues.
The Importance of Clear Communication in Dance Instruction
This bias highlights why being a great dancer doesn’t necessarily make someone a great teacher or choreographer. Teaching involves more than just executing a movement flawlessly—it requires the ability to read the room and adapt your communication style to meet the diverse needs of students. In mixed-level classes, for example, a teacher must find the right pace: challenging advanced dancers without overwhelming beginners.
Effective teachers don’t assume understanding; they observe and adjust, offering feedback and asking questions like:
“Does everyone feel comfortable with this section?”
“Would it help if I broke this step down further?”
“Let’s try this movement together in smaller groups.”
Adaptability is key. If dancers appear lost, it’s essential to switch strategies, such as breaking the routine into smaller parts, offering verbal instructions, or making hands-on corrections. Assumptions based on the illusion of transparency can lead to frustration on both sides. A skilled teacher not only teaches movements but also ensures that learning happens by checking in and responding to students' needs in real time.
Why Adjusting to the Room Matters
Reading the room is an essential skill for any dance instructor, especially in mixed-level environments. It’s not enough to assume that everyone is "getting it"; good teachers pay attention to body language and ask for feedback. This flexibility is what makes teaching not just about instruction, but about facilitating understanding and growth for each student.
Mastery Beyond Performance: Learning to Teach
At Dance Culture Studios, we emphasise that mastery in performance is distinct from mastery in teaching. Good dancers know how to move, but great teachers know how to help others move better. This distinction is critical—knowing how to execute a move yourself is not the same as understanding how to break it down for someone else to learn.
We believe that effective teaching involves learning to listen and observe as much as it involves instruction. Dance is not just about demonstrating skill but about guiding others to achieve their potential, too. Don't assume students "just know"; create an environment where questions are encouraged, mistakes are welcomed, and dancers of all levels feel comfortable learning and improving.
To sum it up:
The Illusion of Transparency shows how easy it is to assume that others understand us without explicit communication. In dance instruction, this bias can lead to miscommunication and frustration if teachers rely solely on demonstrations or expect students to follow without additional guidance. A great teacher learns to observe, adapt, and communicate clearly, ensuring that every student—regardless of level—feels challenged and supported.
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