Teacher Alert

During my student days I have always witnessed a variety of teachers and their teaching pattern. Dance is an art that needs a deep study to learn and a deeper study to teach, I feel. And that requires a comfortable bond between a student and teacher. While we teachers always discuss about the different kinds of students there are equal number of teachers who showcase different qualities (yeah right!! ) Here are some points not only a new dance instructor showcases but some of the well experienced teachers too.


 Punctuality: Yes, we are teachers. We are an example to our students and not some big shot to arrive at our own classes late every single day. You cant expect your student to be punctual if you yourself dont have that discipline. A teacher has a bigger responsibility to conduct a session that not only teaches given topic but to inspire every student he/she comes across. Some of the teachers do believe that students must enter the class before the teacher and welcome the later upon arriving, while some of the teachers enjoy welcoming the students. Again as I said in my earlier blog,every institute has different set of rules.

Shut Up is the word most of the teachers are willing to use / sometimes actually use while teaching. Now being a teacher I can understand the urge, if you have nasty students. But again, students look up to us as their mentors (at least some of them do) And using harsh words like stupid, idiot etc may lower their confidence level. Though if there is point where you have to be extremely strict at one moment, find another moment in a class to crack a joke just to make them laugh/ relaxed. A tensed student and irritated teacher can never make a successful session. A combination of strictness and friendly approach is always beneficial for both student and teacher.

It is true that a student is someone who is still in the process of learning that particular dance style or a move but there is no harm in taking some suggestion from them once in a while. It may or may not be regarding dance only, it can be about costume, or favourite soundtracks, accessories, hair do and so on. Finally the decision is going to be yours but a little involvement can make things better. Also it is helpful to consult your seniors if you are a new bee in the business or on apprenticeship. Bottom line is a healthy discussion with your Teachers and your Students can be fruitful.

Be the leader that creates leaders. This is something that I have experienced with great pain. Couple of my own teachers never wanted us (their good students and dancers) to become teachers or free lancing professional  dancers. Of course they must be having their own reasons for the same. I on the other hand believe in promoting the talent that my students already possess, and just try to sharpen their skills more. After all if you are not being the right guide they will find another. You inspire your students and see the change in them. They will have respect and love towards you, by seeing a true leader or guru in you.

There are always ifs and buts and two sides to a story. Many of us have different set of ideologies. And we all want to be better teachers as we grow old. Having a little more understanding towards our student might give us a better outlook towards this teacher student relationship.

But then why am I sharing all this with you? Dance is not something just to talk about. Dance is to dance. So get up and dance and you will know the reason behind my smile :D (haha..) Trust me, dancing will surely make you happier.

Keep smiling and keep dancing