One of my biggest pet peeves as a dance teacher is when I see students go “half-at” things; particularly dancers with talent and facility. I often sit back and think to myself, did I ever give off this kind of blasé attitude when I was training? No. I didn’t. 100%, without a doubt, no. I wouldn’t have even thought of it. It never even crossed my mind to lean on the barre, not be dressed properly for class, sit down, yawn without covering my mouth, talk or intimate a combination by marking the turns or any other movement for that matter. I also certainly never so much as lifted an eyebrow because something being demonstrated was challenging. But,times have changed. So how do we redefine, “effort,” change that energy and teach our dancers that the vibe they give off is a direct correlation to the vibe they give off matters? Or do we redefine it?
Here’s the thing when dealing with young people. A lot of times they are unaware of the habits and energy they project. It is our job alongside teaching technique and choreography to bring it to their attention, that etiquette and required of them. This goes for beginner through advanced. As I’ve said in many blog articles before, whether they go to be professional dancers or not is not the point. These are skills they will take in any profession they pursue. Learning to be physically and mentally present, professional and respect the space they are in and the art they are doing is important. Dancers need to come in ready to learn and put forth a work ethic that they are cultivating for their lives.
Discipline and sweat are not bad words. Working hard and challenging yourself to push beyond your limits is not punishment, when done in health ways. Working through sore muscles isn’t torture. Repeating choreography and dancing full-out each and every time is not unreasonable and it should be the expectation set forth. All these things produce progress, advancement, increased skill, artist development and the understanding that sometimes there just is a right and wrong way to approach things.
Again, these are lessons that they to be taught. It may not be even be behavior on their radar. So discuss it with your students. Set the precedent and be transparent. Talk about healthy boundaries and how to communicate to each other with honesty when something doesn’t feel right. But, don’t be afraid to set the barre high. Young people will rise to the challenge and are capable of more than they are often given credit for.
Remind them it’s not OK to mark movement unless you tell them. Everything should be done at 110% each and every time. Why?-Explain that that’s how they are going to get better.
Remind them sweating, breathing hard, sore muscles, etc. goes with the territory. Teach them the difference of what discomfort and pain is, how to care for their bodies and how to approach movement correctly to avoid serious injury.
Remind them something as simple as their posture and eye contact in class when you are saying something or demonstrating says a lot about their attitude. Are they standing straight and focusing on you or are they slouched, leaning on the barre, looking down at their nails?
Remind them if they are not early for class, they’re late. Punctuality is key. They should be stretching, shoes on, ready to go. Not doing this when you’re standing there waiting for them, ready to start class.
Remind them, their attitude towards how they take class, take direction and apply correction is more important that their talent. Nobody wants to work with a dancer without these core values. Technique will improve. Attitude sometimes does not.
Remind them that their facial and body expressions are very telling…and….. you can see each and every one! Being disrespectful to you and the art form is simply not OK. Nobody should be rolling an eye, batting an eyelash or giving off an annoyed body gesture because you asked them to do something again, you gave them something challenging or are changing things multiple times. Yes, you may be tired but it should be a “good tired.” A tired that makes you walk out of class feeling accomplished and exhilarated that you achieved what you did.
Remind them that you are there to help them, teach them, guide them and love them. Be sensitive to the fact that they are still kids and teenagers. Sometimes when something is difficult or there is a lack of self-confidence, it’s easier to check out. It’s your job as teacher to be keen to that. Be mindful of each student and how they tick. Make every effort to not jump the gun and write a student off as lazy. Figure out why. There is usually a reason behind the behavior. Talking with your students and creating dialogue can often alleviate the problem. Get to the root cause. Find out what is going on.
Remind them, this is a safe place. You want them to be their best. Inspire each other and you all can and will achieve great things, with dedication and love.
Good luck in the dance studio!
Jess
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