Advice For Students From a Local Dance Teacher
My Dos and Dont’s for Studio Life
By Alberto Gaspar, DWC Ambassador
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When it comes to professions that I respect the most in this world, nurses, volunteers, and teachers are some of the first that come to mind. Those working in these helping professions and more deserve awards and appreciation from everyone. As a dance teacher myself, I never knew that working in this profession would be such a complex task. Being a dance teacher not only requires extensive dance knowledge, but also multitasking, leadership, room management, communication, adaptability, creativity, patience, a sense of humor, confidence, commitment, “approachableness,” time management, and discipline - yes, all of that!
Teachers are also constantly trying to come up with solutions to common problems they face in the studio, always with their students in mind. And sometimes, we mess up! Teachers and students alike are imperfect beings who are bound to make mistakes and have their feelings hurt. If teachers and students work together to be considerate to one another, the studio dynamic can shift significantly in a positive direction.
From my perspective as a teacher, here is some advice that I have for dance students:
When the teacher is speaking, please give them your attention. For example, if the teacher is speaking, please look at them, as looking elsewhere, hanging on the barre, marking your choreography, or speaking to others may indicate that you aren’t listening. For a teacher, being able to tell that your students are understanding the information given is important for delivering information about dance skills.
Communicate. I understand that some dancers feel shy and uncomfortable expressing themselves verbally. Nonetheless, if you are late to class, struggling to understand class material, or just generally not feeling good, it’s important to communicate this to your teacher so they know how to help you. Allowing the teacher the opportunity to practice empathy comes a long way and can help you solve your problems more effectively.
Speak up for yourself. In the vein of practicing good communication, if you have a problem, suggestion, or don’t feel comfortable with a comment or an action from your teacher or peer, speak up about it. If something in class occurs that makes you uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to communicate it to your teacher, as a misunderstanding may have occurred that can be sorted out.
Try to be on time with all the materials you need for class. This includes having clean, proper dance attire and shoes and wearing your hair appropriately for class. I also encourage students to practice good hygiene by coming to class with deodorant on.
If a teacher gives you a personal correction, pay extra attention to that. I always tell this to my students. Most of my students receive over 40 corrections, but if I have been mentioning two or three specific ones constantly, this means that those corrections are the ones that need the most attention.
Be empathetic and respectful to your teacher. We also have bad days, we also experience pain, and we have a non-work life that affects our jobs. Always be respectful to your teachers, which includes addressing them in a more formal tone if that’s what they prefer. Understand that we, as teachers, are here to help you improve your skills, support you in difficult times, and celebrate your wins.
Respect your bodies. This is particularly important when you’re experiencing an injury. I know it can be hard to stop dancing, but if you are injured, you don’t want to push yourself. There are ways to stay engaged with dance when you’re injured, like observing class, listening to corrections, receiving physical therapy, or simply taking a mental and physical break for yourself. On the other hand, being sore or tired should not stop you from approaching class at your maximum capacity that day. Find that middle point where you can challenge yourself without injuring yourself, always respecting your body.
Reach out to staff for support and advice. For example, ask faculty members for a second or third opinion when it comes to taking on responsibilities. Staff members may be able to provide perspectives you haven’t considered.
Find your happy place and enjoy rehearsals and classes. Remember that your time in the studio is finite, so enjoy your time there while listening to your dance teachers and parents. And don’t be afraid to follow your heart and your intuition in dance, your inner self will always be right.
These are just a few tips that I have for students. I hope you all found this list helpful, feel free to contact me through social media if you have any questions!
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