With the summer of 2010 now behind us, it’s now time for dance teachers and studio owners to rev up for the new season. From personal experience, the fall always seems to be the time of year when my energy and creativity is at its peak and I can’t wait to get into the studio to see what the new year has in store! There are so many things we as teachers and studio directors can do to ignite that enthusiasm within our students to get them off on the right foot, putting everyone on the same page from Day #1. Success and progress is most easily achieved when students can take note of teachers’ obvious preparedness, eagerness to be in the studio teaching, creativity and commitment to ensure the progress of each individual dancer. This usually has a contagious effect on the whole environment and sets a wonderful tone running throughout the studio!
The following are helpful hints and steps I’ve taken myself over the years to spark optimism, collaboration and a consistent work ethic in my students beginning at the start of every new season!
1. The very first tip important to address on Day #1 (and over the course of the first month) is to really get to know your students. Even if you have returning students whom you have known for years, keep in mind that the summer is a vital time for kids to change right before your eyes. Very often they come back to school as new individuals, more mature and in a very different place from where they left you in June. Their physical, psychological and effective attributes change, so make this time your 'reintroduction phase' for baseline assessment:
From a physical/technical perspective, it is beneficial to find out if and where the students have danced over the summer. Even if your studio has (required) summer intensives, many students often take additional professional classes/workshops in New York or through summer programs elsewhere to keep up or advance technique. Having that prior knowledge can be a good indicator of where they might be technically at the start of the year. While seeing it for yourself is always the best marker, making the first class especially (technically) challenging will be a great gauge for you to know where to balance or adjust the level of your classes. It will also give your students a sense of how classes will resume for the current year, the class tone and your expectations of them.
As many of us encounter the adolescent 'demographic,' be keen to observe the physical changes that might be challenges for the students as well. Are their bodies changing? Have they had a large growth spurt over the summer? Is puberty affecting the center of gravity for the female dancers? Are there current injuries? Is there a noticeable increase or decrease in control, range of motion or flexibility? These are all important factors, and the quicker they are identified and taken into consideration, the quicker the teacher can set forth a plan of action to help dancers achieve the most productive year ahead!
From a psychological perspective, keep in mind the changes that students will also be dealing with—they might be starting the new year while simultaneously trying to figure out who they are as individuals. Their brains are in full developmental swing at this point and that could translate to their being extra inquisitive, questioning authority and your choices and just plain giving you a run for your money! So, be prepared for all that comes along with the territory of training those entering the teen years!
In tandem with the psychological and personality changes comes the affective perspective. Prepare yourself for the teen angst and emotional component that has the potential to enter your studio. Setting the precedence on Day #1 of being sympathetic (after class) yet authoritative (in leaving all that outside of class) will keep relations between students amicable and keep your students on the task at hand!
2. Keep your warm-up and class structure new, technically challenging, appropriate and current will keep your dancers moving and thinking as well. This creates an environment where students remain present in their space, focused and always thinking during class. In addition, don’t be afraid to add improvisation and creating elements to change up your curriculum.
3. Along with new warm-ups, across the floor combos and center work, refresh that iPod. Make the new year the opportunity to use class music that is out-of- the-box. Try music your students may never have heard of before, engage world cultures, different time periods, nature sounds, the spoken word, the application of challenging rhythms and the unexpected. This will also add to the notion of keeping dancers thinking on their feet, consistently aware and excited. Using a range of tempos will also help to create peaks and valleys as far as the energy level of class goes and add texture and dynamics to class structure.
4. Don’t forget to take the opportunity to revisit and discuss studio and class etiquette, dancer expectations, dress code and company contracts (if applicable). Taking time out to address these things on Day #1 will only make sure everyone is reminded of their responsibilities and accountable for the upcoming season.
5. Last but not least, take time to discuss individual and studio goals for the new year Talking as a group about what you as studio directors and teachers hope to accomplish will get your students on the same page and help them to open up about their own expectations and personal goals. In the end, there will be a sense of camaraderie, readiness, determination and enthusiasm that will carry you all throughout the season.
Best of Luck! Have a Great Year!
