Dance in itself is a discipline simply because in order to learn and master technique and steps, it is necessary to discipline the mind and the body to be able to control the necessary movements and thoughts. Discipline in dance has radically changed in the past 20 years and, I would venture to say, in the past 5 years in particular. To what can we attribute these changes? The world as a whole has relaxed their interpretation of what discipline is and how much of it is necessary to function day to day. Parents are busy working and are much more lax with their definitions of discipline to their children. Although we live in a society where excellence is desirable, children are, more and more often, not held accountable for their actions and so here we are, dance teachers trying to teach children to not only dance, but also to have respect for themselves and everyone around them. It is not an easy task and can be extremely tiresome at times, but when we succeed it can give us a great sense of accomplishment.
I remember as a child having a dance teacher walk around the class with a stick and using it at every opportunity to give you a quick whack behind the knees or somewhere else on the body if you were not doing what they wanted. At the time it was acceptable; however in today’s society those types of actions are not. Did it hurt me? At the moment it certainly stung not only where it landed, but also my pride. I did remember the correction, but I do believe that there are more humane ways to get your point across.
Teachers sometimes ask me how I get my students to wear their hair in a bun for ballet and an elastic belt at their waist or how to get the dancers to wear the required clothing for any of their other classes. My first answer is that I establish the rules and then I give them the reasons why. So far it seems to work pretty well although there are always the renegades!!! I usually give my dancers a few chances to do the right thing and, if the truth be known, I always get a kick out of those rebellious children because at least it shows me that they have a fighting spirit, which usually makes for a good dancer! The way I look at it, if I can instill in any of the dancers the pride and respect that is so necessary to be successful in life, then I know I have helped them toward that end.
Why is a dress code important? Having a dress code is in itself a type of discipline and helps prepare the dancers for whatever class they are taking. It also instills in them a sense of pride and self-discipline. Professional dancers can pretty much wear whatever they want to when taking classes, but children will always benefit from having to wear certain types of clothing for their dance classes. They will feel the part and so will perform better not only in the classroom, but also on stage. It will also ensure that there is no one who feels less fortunate when you have some dancers who are more affluent than others.
Is it important that dancers do not come to class with holes in their tights or oversized clothing or their hair all over the place? Yes. The main reason that it minimizes the dancer’s sense of pride and self-esteem. The second reason is that it just looks messy. Students need to realize that the 'look' is essential for the dancer. In other words if it is a Ballet class it is important to look like a ballerina or a strong male ballet dancer. In order to make that happen they first need to look or feel the part. A male dancer needs to feel extremely secure with his identity. The clothing for him is as important as for a girl. Make sure that all male dancers wear a dance belt under their clothing to give them the correct support, and help them to feel wonderful in their leggings and tight T-shirts by praising them when they wear the right clothes and letting them know they look terrific. Praise is a wonderful tool when dealing with young dancers and making sure that they fully understand exactly what your expectations are for them in every way. If they are doing a Hip Hop class it is just as important that they wear appropriate clothing in order to feel right. No buns or tights, just ponytails and clothing that typifies the style—without accepting inappropriate clothing for their ages—and of course the correct shoes. Just as an actor wears the appropriate clothing to portray his part, the dancer must do the same thing.
Once the dancers have a better understanding of why we want them to wear certain things and how it will help them to succeed, they are more likely to discipline themselves to do the right thing. Of course it is not only the student who needs to understand the discipline, but the parent too!
Another point that strengthens discipline: Our dancers must curtsey or bow to the teacher at the end of every class. It shows them that respect is important and also gives you the teacher the opportunity to offer an uplifting word to each dancer. Manners are becoming a lost art, but we can help keep them alive and teach the value of being courteous to one another. All children need boundaries and without them feel insecure or even unloved. Giving them the discipline in each and every class that they take will go a long way in helping them to develop the self-discipline that will be needed in whatever field they choose to go in to. Encouraging them to set goals, be ready, be punctual, practice and find joy in every part of their dance training, whether it is something they love or perhaps something that is less attractive to them, is the best gift that you can give your students.
These types of disciplinary traits that you are teaching them will mean so much to them in the long run. As I say to my students, 'you may not love me now, but you will be calling me later on down the road to thank me for helping you to understand why discipline and self-discipline is so important to your future' and you know, they do. I get the calls saying thank you, and when I do I just smile and accept it graciously, knowing that I did my part. Do not be afraid to insist on discipline and manners with your students—you cannot help them to be successful in dance or life without it.
