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A solid foundation: is really understanding the "how" and the "why" technique is executed, and not only understanding mentally, but being able to consistently apply the knowledge physically. This is what is missing 9 times out of 10 when teachers are asked to "push" a dancer. The teacher cannot go any quicker with the lesson progression if the dancer isn't mastering what is being asked of them. Dancers get "bored" because they are complacent with where they are, they just want to move, and experience a different lesson on their terms. They think because they know what comes next in the class or "know the combination" whether it be center floor or across the floor, it is time to move on. WRONG! You cannot give into the desire for instant gratification. If you have read my other blog posts, you know I believe nothing good comes from giving into instant gratification, and the unrealistic demands of parents and students.
As you probably know by now, I am dance educator who takes the job seriously. Even though I take the job seriously, I like to keep the spirits light and have fun in class! As anyone I have taught will tell you, I love to laugh and teach using "funny analogies". As I teach students, I try to impress upon them the importance of basic, fundamental, beginning-level technique. This is the foundation of absolutely EVERYTHING, from body lines to the basic battement to the most advanced turn and balance combination to making any movement in choreography look brilliant and interesting. The basics must be second nature to grow in the art form. This includes weight distribution, transitions, footwork clarity, knowing where to square the hips, etc., not just turns, leaps, and extensions. Often times, the basics are what is lost in translation, or skipped entirely due to unnecessary pressure placed on the studio owner or instructors by the dance parents, or even the dancers themselves. Sometimes, it is even due to time resistants.
Many students and/or their parents:
- Lack in the understanding that you cannot separate training from performance. It is one and the same.
- Don't understand that EVERYTHING stems from a quality ballet education.
- Cannot verbalize why they must execute elements a specific way, because they haven't been taught the "how and why," or they lack the understanding of linking all the knowledge they possess together. Sometimes, they have just never thought about it, and just go through the motions of a class or choreography.
Dancers who wish to gain in technical ability, and/or movement ability, (and their parents who wish this for them) must understand that gaining in ability is rooted in being stronger with the fundamentals of dance. You can't have an ego too big for the room and except to learn, develop, advance, and earn respect from your peers as well as your instructors. No dancer is ever above a beginning level class. The more advanced the dancer, the harder the "basic, beginner class" will be. Sometimes it just hurts the heart a bit to realize that the reason for struggles in advanced technique and movement stems from a lack of truly mastering the basic fundamentals of dance. Sometimes it is exhilarating to learn something difficult requires a simple fix! ALWAYS RETURN HOME TO THE ROOTS. That is what makes a dancer able to do amazing things! It is not always about giving the dancer a harder class with more difficult elements and choreography. Yes, this type of class is great, but so is a beginning level class. An advanced class moves entirely to fast for a dancer to remember how to do things correctly without the constant reminder class. If there is a beginner level class available, all dancers should take it if possible! They will get to the goal line faster in their harder, more advanced class! If it is not available, taking part of the advanced class time to review basics will do great things too! Dancers that master skills and a specific class before moving on to the next thing are just better. THAT'S HOW TO IMPROVE! Dancers get nowhere really when they are given things are just aren't ready to do. Having an ego will prevent a dancer from being open minded to this type of situation.
Most corrections given, especially in a group setting, are actually the results the teacher desires to see, not the actual correction itself. When a dancer knows how to find the root of the problem, process and break down the "correction" given, they can actually fix the things needed to produce the desired result. For example, "lift your leg higher in the attitude turn." Well, there is a multitude of reasons the leg isn't as high as the instructor would like. What are those reasons? How do I get the result your teacher is demanding? One must know how to find "the root of the problem." Another example, a dancer is hopping all over the place and having trouble going into an extension balance after a multiple pirouette. A dancer cannot quickly diagnose the root of the problem to fix the issue without a deep found knowledge of the basics, and understanding how to apply the knowledge. Once the problem is broken down to the basics finding the root of the problem, and those things are addressed, the skill can be mastered. Again, you just have to go back to the roots to fix everything. Staying true to form and continuing to take a beginning class focused on things such as body placement, getting on top of your leg, understanding that proper placement may show a lack of real flexibility... knowing these things will help a dancer to correct fundamental mistakes that inhibit their growth and performance quality. ALSO, knowing how to diagnose yourself and fix a problem can be fun and very rewarding! I have watched many a dancer find so much satisfaction, and all while getting a good laugh, when they go to the root of the problem to realize what a basic simple fix it can be to master a complicated and difficult element! Fundamental class can be loads of fun when the dancers have great attitudes! Laughs and good times can be had by all! Although class is serious, keeping the mood light, the attitude in check, and knowing it's ok at laugh at yourself, will keep the class moving, fun, and encouraging while inspiring each other to see that the sky really is the limit when you know what you are doing!
A dancer is NEVER "too good" to go back to the beginning level, and train with other dancers they believe "to be beneath them". (No dancer or dance class is beneath anyone in my opinion.) Teachers never have students that are "too good for the basics." Egos are bad news! When a dancer has an issue with going back to the basics, having their weakness exposed, then there is an ego problem that will prevent them from being all they can be. Only by having weakness exposed, corrected, along with a sincere effort by the dancer to fix the fundamentally inadequate technique flaw, will a dancer achieve their potential to the fullest. With these things addressed by the instructor, and these things corrected by the dancer, a dancer's ability will change dramatically! There will be no limit to their accomplishments and what their bodies will be capable of doing! A dancer, or a dance parent, with an ego will never survive this kind of class. Therefore, I believe an ego is the enemy! In my opinion, it should never be about a trophy but rather a quality education. It is about being a dancer not an uncontrollable mover dancing by imitation as my ballet teacher called it. Trophies are a dime a dozen and won't get you a job. It is the education, and application of the life lessons learned, that counts.
Bottom line: Trust the teacher and work hard. Trust that your teachers are doing everything they can to make good dancers all the while making good human beings. Just as you would never want someone, especially someone outside your field, to tell you how to do your job, a dance teacher doesn't want to be told how to do their job. Students should not tell their teacher how to teach and what to teach, as they are not qualified to do so. Everyone should respect each other, and most importantly show respect. It creates a much better environment conducive for learning. Egos truly drain the fun out of dance! It is important to remember that while dance should be fun, it is hard work and requires a humble spirit in order to soar to great success! A good attitude goes a long way towards enjoyment and success!
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For class, choreography, or booking information, please email: meredith@thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.com
You can also read The Competitive Edge by Meredith on Dance Apps Inc's app with NappyTabs, Dancer's Toolbox under Dancer's Dish.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
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