Tell me if this sounds familiar. “Can we get up from the floor this way instead of that way because it’s easier for me?” Or, “Oh good, I can come on from that side? It’s easier.” Or, “Can we just do it this way, because it’s easier?” I have heard a version of this more times than I can count. So what gives? What’s with all the short cuts?
Why are many young dancers looking to take the path of least resistance at every twist and turn?
Is it the generation? Is it the fact that they are used to everything being easy in terms of instant gratification? Are they lazy? Are we not expecting as strong a work ethic as we used to? Are some younger dancers not accustomed to hard work and sweat? Is it our teaching? I’m not really sure of the answer, however I do know that sometimes it’s time to stop class and have a little heart to heart with dancers to get them back on the right path. Look, they are young and most of the time with a little explanation and tough love sometimes, it can open their eyes and minds to things they were completely unaware of. It’s our job to give them the benefit of the doubt and approach everything as you normally would, diplomatically and with transparent intention. Be clear and do your best to open their eyes to a world they might not fully comprehend quite yet. Help them understand every honest conversation you have with them is out of love and wanting them to succeed.
So...here’s what I do tell my students and what they need to understand. As a dance teacher, I am not here to make things, “easier,” for you. That’s not my job. My job is to train you, teach you dance and a whole host of other lessons and values which you will take with you throughout your life; whether you become a dancer or not. That’s irrelevant. I’m here to make you work hard. Sweat. Be dedicated. Respect yourself, the studio space, your peers and the art. Recognize commitment and collaboration. Find joy in dance. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Find your creative voice. Show patience while you’re learning new things. Praise you when you succeed and call you out when you act up. My job is to answer questions, demonstrate and have heart to heart discussions with you when you want to cut corners and take the easy way out every time. This will not serve you well in the future. Trust me. My job is to inspire you to want to be the best version of yourself. I cannot do my job to the best of my ability, however, with dancers who look for the easy way out or short cut to everything and don’t inspire me.
To reap any rewards you have to put the work in. I can only tell you these things and explain the importance of not choosing what’s easiest all the time. That’s where my ability to encourage you ends. I can’t want it more for you than you do yourself. I can’t dance for you and I can’t jump into your body and physically do it for you. You have to dig somewhere deep and know how much you can and are willing to push yourself. Only you know that. What I do know is as a teacher, for me, my philosophy has never been about implementing what’s easiest for my dancers. No matter what age or level. It’s about expecting dancers to rise to the challenge and just try their very best.
My job as a choreographer is also not about setting what is easiest for you. Now, if I’m dealing with an injury or limitation that’s one thing and modifying is a given. I’m talking about if it’s a little too challenging physically or makes you have to think a little more than you’re willing to. In that instance, the choreography stands as is and you figure out a way to make it work. Ask me a millions questions until you get it, but stop giving up so fast.
Dance is challenging and it’s not for everyone. And yes, recreational dancers may just want to be with their friends and have fun and that’s great too! But, there is a clear distinction between that and wanting everything to be easy. That mentality I just don’t subscribe to.
So, take your young dancers under your wings and teach them. Teach them not only steps but a mindset that will take them far in the future and capable of surmising any challenge with a steadfast, eager and positive approach. It’s never about taking the easy way out when you truly want to flourish. Teachers, you got this.... and so do your students!
Good luck!
See you in the dance studio,
Jess
Join Jessica Rizzo Stafford this Summer at the Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo
Jessica will be presenting several great Master Classes and Seminars and will be interviewing attendees and featuring them in upcoming blog postings. Did you see? On June 1st 2021 Las Vegas has fully reopened!
