Why do we teach more than just steps? Simple. It is natural.

The entire nature and intention of movement from the beginning of time was to bring people together. It wasn’t to win the trophy, master the tricks, or capture the spotlight for one. 

Culturally and historically dance has always been used to communicate and the unspoken word is EVERYTHING! When we forget this basic concept of what dance is what we do as teachers and students alike loses meaning and deeper purpose. 

Dance teaches so much more to our students when we can reach their minds and hearts. We must help increase their appreciation for the true intricacies of what movement can do. 

Through dance, a student gains:

CONFIDENCE IN MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT

As a students move through time and space they discover a deeper understanding of their role in impacting those around them. By mastering teamwork, they develop a connection to a community who shares their passion and they begin to engage in a lifelong journey of bringing likeminded individuals together to create a big impact to the world. When they see their efforts touch the hearts of others, inner confidence grows. When confidence grows, the mind and body find a nervous system balance that is unlike any found in other activities.

RESILIENCE 

When taught properly students learn that critiques and feedback are keys to improvement, not setbacks or personal attacks. Young students, especially, struggle with the understanding that dance critiques should be wanted and valued. In a world where perfectionism seems to be the goal consistently portrayed through social media, tv, and print, the lesson of letting go of a need to be “just right by another’s eyes” at every moment, dance teaches to LET IT GO. The strongest dancers are those who beg for the critiques, see mistakes as paths to growth, and look to get back up with each fall, literally and figuratively. Dancers understand perfect is the goal that is never achieved. Critiques are avenues toward their best future selves. They take them, apply them, and relish the achievement of being better than they were yesterday. 

DISCIPLINE 

Through set routines, clear goal setting, and visible benchmarks students learn that hard work pays off, that greatness takes time, and staying focused is the only requirement for achievement. The technology of today has created within all of us a want it now, get it now mentality. Dance throws that mindset out of the door and teaches students that slow and steady wins the race. Students learn that while they will achieve some things faster than their peers, their peers may gain other skills faster than them. And that is okay! Through it all we build each other up, cheer each other on, and work together for a greater work. Our differences are celebrated within the art. 

When we approach teaching properly all of these lessons naturally become part of our classes. Again, it is the nature of movement. Setting a culture of love and support creates a sense of trust among students from the moment they walk through the studio door. This culture must be backed by parents and encouraged at every step along the journey of dance. As they say in the runners world, it is a marathon, not a sprint. We aren’t just developing dancers, we are creating loving humans. Enjoy the journey.