Parent: When my daughter dances in your class it is vastly different than with any other teacher. She has more passion, more energy, she really dances! Why is that?
Doctor Ballet: Teaching is an art in itself. The teacher either has it, or they don't. Some of the worst classes I've ever suffered through were from former professional dancers.
Just because someone was a great dancer doesn't mean they're going to be a great teacher. It fact, quite the opposite is true. A resume is just a resume. Some teachers exploit students and parents based on resume alone.
Don't be fooled. Do your homework. Talk to other dancers, parents, teachers. Observe a class. How good are the others in class? How many students have gone on to professional dance jobs?(if you're not allowed to observe class, that's a good sign to look for the nearest exit-lol.)
In any specialized dance form, pick a teacher like you would pick a doctor. Why would you want anything but the best? Remember expensive doesn't always mean better.
1 comment:
Good point! My first teacher was trained in classical, yet never danced as a pro ballerina. She excelled in jazz instead. But she gave me the best start in ballet! Her technique was flawless, clean Cecchetti. She just had "it".
As does my current teacher, a former principal dancer who just retired from the stage 4 yrs ago. She is the most generous teacher I´ve ever had, sharing her knowledge and artistry so freely! Not only is she 100% about clean technique, but also 110% about being a dancer! I have never been happier in class..
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