TO ASK, OR NOT TO ASK? THAT IS THE QUESTION

When to ask questions and when to figure it out on your own is as much of a life lesson as it is a dance lesson. Dance teachers have the wonderful opportunity to guide dancers in training and dance etiquette, but also in life lessons, respect, and manners. It to be an honor for teachers to help shape the next generation. While teaching, there are times of joy, laughter, pride, and also frustration. 

Often times, a dancer may think of questions to ask instead of listening to instruction. How do we as teachers address this is a positive way? How do we as dancers know when it is appropriate to ask questions? What can I do as a parent to support my dancer and their teacher?

FOR THE TEACHER:

Most of the time, if you have a dancer asking a million questions, this dancer is the "over achiever" and "people pleaser". They are trying hard to do things correctly and want the teacher to know they are trying. The often want to be reassured that they are being noticed. On the other hand (prepare yourself for my southern bluntness), they may be a dancer who asks questions just hear themselves speak. Addressing when it is and is not appropriate to ask questions in a positive way, helps all the students in the class understand the importance of listening. Reinforce the fact that you will be watching all of the students in the class, and that everyone will receive your attention, whether they notice you watching them or not. We teachers have eyes in the back of our heads, don't we? We see everything! They also need to understand that multiple questions are a disruption to the class and can cause the class to lose focus. As teachers, must do our best to set our students up for success in life as well as on the dance floor. A conversation like this is always a positive learning experience if addressed in the right way. In my opinion, it is a good idea to have this talk each dance year in all classes. This is a wonderful life lesson as much as a dance lesson.

FOR THE DANCER:

As a dancer, it is your job to be on time, to be prepared, to LISTEN and follow instructions with an incredible amount of effort. Although dance is fun and most of the time you are with friends, it is not social hour. It is a time to learn work ethic and persistence. It is a time to work on your technique, your choreography, flexibility, strength, endurance, etc. As a dancer, you must be focused and disciplined, regardless of age. 99% of the time, your question will be answered by the teacher during the instruction, either by explaining the details or by corrections that are given to the class or an individual. One of my teachers taught me at a very early age that if a correction is given to the class in general, or to a specific individual, to apply that correction as if the teacher was speaking directly to me. "Always assume the teacher is correcting you," she would say. That is good advice that I carry with me to this day. If it is clear that the teacher is moving on having not addressed your area of concern, and your question cannot be answered by watching others in the class, then it is appropriate to raise your hand and ask. It is so important to exhaust all efforts to find the answer yourself before disrupting the class flow. This teaches independence and responsibility while increasing your reasoning and listening skills. All of these things can be applied throughout your life.

FOR THE DANCE PARENT:

The teacher really is on your child's side. Dance teachers wear multiple hats. We, I speak for myself too, are "different" in a lot of ways, but I know I can speak for all of us when I say we wouldn't have it any other way. Dance Teachers are often times counselors and confidants, role models, second parents, and/or many other things to your child. Dance teachers care about their dancers both inside and outside the studio. When they are stern in class, they are trying to help them be successful not only in dance but in life. Please help your child to understand the importance of listening, following directions, and reinforce what the teacher is trying to accomplish. Just like school teachers need a parent's support for a student to excel in academics, dance teachers need a parent's support for a student to excel in the art form. We, and I speak to myself too as a parent of a son in competitive athletics, have to remember "fair" isn't everyone getting the same thing. "Fair" is everyone getting what they need in order to be successful. 

Together, the teacher, dancer, and dance parent, can create a wonderful learning environment. Dance is for everyone and should be fun! As exciting and fun as dance can be, remember that a dance studio is a place of learning. It is a school. Education and proper training are important. Teachers have to maintain control of their classroom to create a positive environment that is conducive for learning. Dancers have to be focused. They must put in tremendous effort. Parents have to support the teachers of the studio they chose. Teachers, encourage and inspire your students today! Dancers, encourage and inspire those around you today! Parents, support and encourage you dancer and their teacher today! Your attitude makes a difference to those around you. SMILE. LAUGH. LEARN. ENCOURAGE. Make a difference in someone's life today ... because it's important. 

Dance hard. Dance smart.

Meredith
thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.blogspot.com

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You can read more posts from Meredith on Dance Apps Inc. app with NappyTabs, Dancer's Toolbox under Dancer's Dish.