Find continued inspiration through education. Continue to be the student...take class in subjects you know nothing about to re-learn being a beginner, to challenge your brain cells, and to bring a different point of view to your own work. Its extremely gratifying!!
Be well in your dance!
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Nicolae, I am with you all
Nicolae,
I am with you all the way! It's a real precise moment when your students realize that you, the teacher, is also you, the dancer (not just a mouth-piece for teaching). It's BEAUTIFUL to learn together, dance together. This is when the teacher allows the student to become a complete adult, grown into the understanding that ALL ART is a CONSTANT search. It's beautiful:) The concepts, the struggles, the joy & pain experienced by all artist. It's precious.
As a teacher u should never
As a teacher u should never stop learning,in this whay your students will learn with u. It is verry important to take other classes evan if your style is diffrent. In ballet the combinations are infinit so i am wondering all the time when i wrrite my classes what to bring fresh and new for my students. A battment tendu is still the same after so many years? I am working on new dinamics at the moment involving a lot of coordination , diffrent links bettween the movemts, diffrent tempo. Another point that i alwais have to take care is what are the students needs, so i focus on each class on diffrent subjects. Than the type of energy for each diffrent lesson, then my target of makeing them remember as much as i can, giving information is easy...making it last is harder. I guess the ballet teacher must have a good technic so he can show the flow of the movements correct. Of course all this are not enogh thinking of perfection concept.It is also halping filming the students and study there mistakes ,where they are comming from, and where they will lead. Like a dance teacher it is important as well to study anatomy and the biology of movement, subjects that hep u to understand the human body and how is moving and information about other problems like injurys, tonus..etc. In other words discovering on and on the schelet of dance.
HI Dana, I totally agree
HI Dana, I totally agree with Nichelle and Laura, and yes I understand living in a small town as well. When I started I was only provided with certain training and wanted more. So I went to the library and got some books on dance. Sometimes just the image of a picture can help you understand a movement. Looking at Nederlands Dans theater dancers makes me wanna break my legs and get even more flexible, in an inspirational way of course :-) But it has helped me when I could not get the one on one instruction needed. Boy do I love this site! Already we are all making connections with others artist Yipee!
Hi Nichelle, I love the
Hi Nichelle,
I love the understanding of "renewed energy for teaching". That's really the bottom line for all of us. I take class with a wonderful senior master ballet teacher (here in Hollywood-Stefan Wente) and his energy to teach is 300%. His energy gives me the commitment to give back 300%, in his class and when teaching my own. He's truly a mentor through action. So, If I have this energy for my own kids, then they get the idea how to feel about dance, not just what to dance. Learning is contagious and energizing...a beautiful thing!
Be well in your dance!
I've been there, Dana. When
I've been there, Dana. When you live in a small town it is difficult to find dance classes that are a challenge. I found it extremely helpful and refreshing to attend workshops, conferences, teacher seminars, etc. is other parts of the country. Yes, it is an expense (but there are sessions in all price ranges), yes it is a time commitment but the experiences are valuable for both you and your students. A good teacher never stops learning.
As Laura stated above, take time to learn something new or stretch your creative muscles in something unrelated to dance. You will be amazed at the impact this can have on your teaching. You will make new connections, come up with new and relate-able imagery for your students, and making time for yourself will renew your energy for teaching.
Step outside the dance box!!
Step outside the dance box!! Get into cooking or art classes, flower arranging, REALLY, just anything that has caught your interest. It's immense to realize the beginners point of view and listen to another instructor speak on topics that she/he is passionate about. I promise, all subjects have levels of expertise and offerings of "point of view" that will enhance and enliven your thinking. Try the local college (their adult education extension programs) for a 6-8 week course. If nothing else, it's a blessing to breathe different air:)
I've picked up tango....I love it!!!! It's another world to "follow" instead of "lead" in movement...it's meditative.
Be well in your search!!!
But what if your options are
But what if your options are limited. I live in a small town with not a whole lot around that would even be challanging for me, then what?
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