With over 30 years as Successful Dance Studio Owners and Dance Teachers who have taught and performed worldwide for over 40 years. Dance Teacher Web Founders Steve Sirico and Angela D'Valda Sirico share their expertise and knowledge with you!
Q. How do you deal with the student who is not receptive to corrections?
A. This is always a challenge for dance teachers. This can become especially challenging with your more advanced students. We have found the best way to deal with this is through communication. Instead of just having a battle in class we try to sit down with the student and talk to them about how they can find ways and the time to work on their corrections. During this talk we try to find out what the students is looking to get out of their dance training. Let's face it, most students will not become professional dancers, so it is always helpful to discover what they want out of the experience. It may be that the student has just become a bit overwhelmed with life in general and they are not only tuning you the teacher out but everyone else who looks like an adult. I like to explain to them that if we, the student and I, work together that great things can and will be accomplished. If you find that the student has just become a major problem, don't go it alone! Talk to your dance studio owner and set up a meeting with the student's parent. This way the four of you can work together to find a solution.
Q. I don't like confrontation but my dance studio owner is getting on my nerves. What should I do?
A. I have been on both sides here. Before Angela and I owned were dance studio owners we were performing and teaching master classes all over the world. One thing that I do know is that every studio owner wants the best for their students. Dance Studio Owners may at times seem to be confrontational but try not to take it personally. They are dealing with a host of issue and it may be that they are in the middle of having to solve a problem and you just happen to be there at a bad time. Angie and I always try to connect with our faculty but during busy times we may be focused on other things and may inadvertently forget to have a chat with one of our team members. I think it is a great idea to show up early for your classes if you can and let your dance studio owner know that you would like to sit down and have a chat. This will give you a chance to talk to the dance studio owner and explore ways to be more in tune with what is happening at the studio. If you feel something is really bugging you, try not to let it wait as this will only make the situation worse for all concerned. All great dance studio owners wants their staff to be happy. Happy staff=happy customers!
Q. Sometimes I just feel like I am out of ideas! What do you do to stay creative?
A. Everyone who does something that involves creativity, imagination and inspiration will at some point experience creative block. Writers have it, so do sculptors, artists who paint, choreographers and dance teachers! Don't sweat it. In other articles that I have written here at Dance Teacher Web I have explored ideas and ways to keep your creative juices flowing. But let's face it, sometimes the ideas just dry up. One thing that has always helped me is to get out of the dance studio. I like to go some place that visually makes me feel great. It could be the beach, near mountains or a museum. I bring my Ipod and listen to some music. It is best if the music you are listening to is something new. Then I go for a walk and let the ideas come to me. I always bring a small pad with me so if I get something I can write it down. There have been times that more than one idea will come my way. I think it is also useful to watch other dance forms. This will inspire you to use that movement and incorporate it into your style. This is a great way to use Dance Teacher Web. Even if you don't teach a certain style that we present, I recommend that when you have a block you view something different and watch those ideas come your way!
Q. How do I ask my dance studio owner for a raise?
A. The simple answer is just ask for one! I don't know why but it seems like many people get nervous when it come to discussing money with their employers. I know we could never give the full amount that many of our team deserve but we will do everything we can to be more than fair. Many businesses have a built in increase for their faculty that they will give at the start of every season. It may be that budgets are set so they will not be able to give you one right now, but you can explore your pay for next season. Just keep in mind that if, for financial reasons, they cannot give you a raise at this time that doesn't mean that you cannot ask for one in the future. I recommend that you try not to become disenchanted or stop being a valuable team member. You do not want it to affect you as a dance teacher. Just find some quiet time to meet and to explore ways for you to make more money. There is nothing wrong with that and it may be that your employer can offer you some additional classes, privates or give you ideas on other ways to help you to increase your income!
Q. How can I deal with students that have an issue with their weight?
A. Very carefully! I do not recommend that you discuss any issues with a student about how much they weigh without input from your studio director. We have a nutritionist come in during the year and discuss with the students healthy eating habits. This will not only cover the students that are overweight but the ones who may be prone to eating disorders. I do not believe in children going on diets. I have heard of teacher's who make comments about student's weight. This is a BIG no-no. I can't imagine any parent who will be happy about that especially if it is said in a class room setting. The children who are overweight know that they are that way. The key is to help them do the best they can and try to encourage them to improve their overall health through giving them good advice about eating foods that will give them the energy that they need for their dancing. It is also important to be on the lookout for students who may have an eating disorder. Anything you observe should be addressed directly to your studio owner and not to any student or parent. This way if something is to be done it can be done so discreetly and by the studio owner.
Q. How can I improve my student's technique?
A. First and foremost, it is important to encourage students to take ballet classes. The structure and discipline in classical dance teaches students the basics of body placement and awareness. No matter what type of dancer the student wants to be, ballet will help them to become more proficient. The only way to improve technique in any type of dance is to train consistently. If a child is only taking one or two classes per week and shows interest in becoming a better dancer you can recommend additional classes that you think would help them to achieve their goals. Dancers who practice on their own are also going to improve at a quicker pace. Helping dancers to develop great work habits is also going to speed up their Improvement. I also find that if I pinpoint a specific area on a dancer that would benefit from extra strengthening, I can then give them exercises that they can do with a resistance band and that in time will help them improve their overall technique.
