How the room becomes one.

CUEING

Cueing builds trust.

Riders want to follow you. They want to do what you’re asking. But if cues are too fast, too complicated, unclear, or missing context, riders start to feel unsuccessful—and when riders feel unsuccessful, they disconnect.

Cueing is not just instruction. Cueing is support.

When riders feel supported, they have the space to push themselves. And when they trust you in the small moments, they will trust you in the most challenging parts of the ride.

Cueing is also what creates collective energy.

When the room moves together, the room feels powerful.

CUEING IS “WHEN” and “WHERE”

Cueing is not just what riders should do.

It’s:

  • when they should do it

  • where their body should be in space and time

This is what keeps the ride clean, safe, and unified.

CUEING IS COUNTING

Music moves in even counts of 4.

Most of the time, you will count down from 4 to match the beat of the music - either to bring them into a new move or layer, or burn out a move to finish. A countdown gives clients space for success. There is a sweet spot between leading them in a confident count and overcounting.

  • Avoid counting down from 8 whenever possible. Counting from 4 is best.

  • Avoid long, constant counting (it becomes noise)

  • You can cue timing without saying numbers, by talking to the beat of the music, but it is still counting down and preparing them.

CUEING IS CORRECTIONS

Everyone wants to move together. That’s why corrections matter.

Your room will always be a mix of:

  • beginners

  • intermediate

  • advanced

If a beginner is off beat and you don’t correct them, you are letting them down.

Every rider remembers the instructor who first helped them:

  • find the beat

  • feel the burn

  • find the advancement

  • feel successful

Do not be afraid to correct. Corrections are not criticism. They are care. They do not need to be “off-mic” but they should not put a client on blast or embarrass them when delivered.

When done well, corrections are connection—because they show the client you noticed them.

CUES TO AVOID

These habits weaken leadership and clutter the room.

Avoid:

  • “I want…” / “I need…”
    Use: “We want…” or “You want…” (or remove it entirely)

  • “On my cue…”
    (It’s filler. Just cue.)

  • Extra filler words between counts
    (Makes timing sloppy.)

  • Cueing towel/water breaks between songs
    (Clients will take it if they need it.)

  • Cueing too often
    (Silence is a tool.)

  • Saying “active recovery”
    (Instead: cue form, breath, and rhythm.)

  • Cueing from the negative
    Example: don’t say “don’t lean back”
    Instead say: “Lean one inch forward and engage your abs.” Always tell clients what they want, not what they don’t.

THE STANDARD

Cueing is how you bring the room with you.

If client can’t follow, they can’t evolve.
If clients don’t trust you, they won’t push. They can’t push.

Cueing is how we level up together.