Presence Matters: Line Dance Instructors' Development

09/10/2026

“The goal isn’t to have people leave saying, ‘Wow, what a great instructor.’ It’s to have them leave thinking, ‘Wow, I can do this!” - Gerard Murphy

09/05/2026

The most impactful instructors are those who lift up and celebrate other instructors.

09/02/2026

And if you'd like to chat about bringing a Presence Matters workshop to your event, please reach out and let's start the conversation!

Acadia University Health & Wellness Fair Friday, September 4, 2026 Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada Host: Acadia Students' Union (Private Event) Waverley 2026 Gold Rush Days September 9, 2026 Waverley,...

09/01/2026

I got over 100 reactions on my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

08/31/2026

I had a question from an event director about the topics I have for instructor workshops - all THREE current topics are described on my website below. And I have a new one under development!

​ Ready to Be the Best Line Dance Instructor You Can Be? If you're looking to connect more powerfully with your dancers, boost your confidence, and bring more energy into your teaching — you're...

08/30/2026

Every time you step in front of a group to teach a line dance, you’re also stepping into the role of a speaker — or perhaps a presenter. You’re presenting the dance, but you’re also presenting yourself!

No matter what you call yourself — teacher, instructor, or trainer — public speaking is part of the job.

For some people, showing up in front of a room feels completely natural. For others, it can feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even a little scary. Right?!

The good news? Presence and poise are skills that can be learned, practised, and mastered.

And yet, developing our public speaking skills isn’t always something we think about as line dance instructors.

Those skills can include assertive communication, body language awareness, group management, voice dynamics, engagement techniques and so much more.

So, here’s my question for you:

👉 What’s ONE public speaking skill or competency you’d like to develop?

Drop it in the comments or DM me privately if you’d rather. I’d love to hear what you’re working on!

Cheers!

08/26/2026

👋 Hello, line dance instructors!
I’m in the process of designing a new Presence Matters workshop and I need your help!

Think about your classes and consider this: What is one thing a dancer might SAY or DO while you’re teaching that could really frustrate, annoy, anger or surprise you?

Maybe it’s something that challenges your patience or puts you on the spot.

Think of a specific situation and describe it in the comments below. 👇

I’m building a list of real-life challenging situations that instructors may encounter that require us to maintain our presence, communicate effectively and respond professionally.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences! 🙏

Your examples will help me make this workshop practical, relevant and useful for instructors. 😃

08/24/2026

dynamics — one of your most powerful tools for engaging every dancer, in every class!

08/22/2026

Follow along as well on my Gerard Murphy Line Dance page! It’s where I post my general line dance updates! See you there! https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzRSoMQe6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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

08/21/2026

There’s a particular skill in walking into a line dance class full of people and quickly understanding what the room needs.

After years of teaching, speaking and facilitating, I’ve learned that leading a group is about far more than the content or the material. And the same is true in line dancing.

As an instructor, you can have a fantastic dance prepared to teach or the perfect playlist. But if you aren’t paying attention to the people in front of you, even the best choreography can fall flat.

Read the room.

Are they energized and ready to move?
Are they looking a little hesitant?
Are they struggling with the steps?
Is the energy starting to dip?
Do you need to slow things down, inject some humour, or simply give everyone a moment to breathe?

That’s the real work of teaching.

It’s knowing when to challenge your dancers and when to reassure them. When to push the energy higher and when to bring it back down. When to demonstrate again and when to stop talking and let them dance. It’s a lot to balance, right?

And perhaps most importantly, it’s creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to make mistakes.

Because line dancing - or any type of dancing - isn’t just about getting the steps right. It’s about creating a space where people feel comfortable and confident to participate, connect, laugh, learn and come back next week.

Years of facilitation have taught me that the best group leaders don’t simply manage a room. They read it.

And that, I believe, is one of the most important skills a line dance instructor can develop.