Thread: In support of instuctors

After reading a few threads about defining pro versus "a really great dancer" and newbies getting paid for perfoming, I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who teach. I can see how it's frustrating to see inexperienced dancers teaching, performing etc. presenting to the gp what is mediocre at best.

I would love to take a class for beginners who are serious about learning and wouldn't mind if my instructor were more strict about rhythms, counting, sharper movements, etc, but I understand that most in my class and level (where I am from at least) want to have fun and get a little exercise.

It must be difficult to be on the other side of the class (the teacher) and have to accomodate all the needs of the students.

I realize teaching is your bread and butter so it may be hard to lay down strict standards but please don't give up. Good teachers are hard to find. Maybe because some are caving in to students who want their egos stroked.

I guess I just wanted to say hang in there!! ,r:;

That was a really nice thing to say, and as a teacher, I sincerely appreciate it.

I care a lot about what I do, as do most teachers, and I think that's why we sometimes let our frustrations get the best of us. I feel like I gripe a lot about the state of affairs in belly dance, when what I should be doing is to get back into the studio and focus on making things better.

It's nice to hear from students who really love the dance.

Thanks again!!!

Thank you my dear for you kind words about teachers. I care that someone wants to learn this art. I also realize some folks just want to have fun. Both can co-exist. For those students of mine who want to learn to perform, I hold specialized classes, rehearsals etc. I hold them to meeting specific criteria before they advance. My main goal is to always keep them interested and motivated. It is great to see there are appreciative students out there! Thanks again.
Susu

Thank you so much! It's students like you who make dealing with all the PITA's totally worth it!

Thanks

Thanks so much!

Folks with a passion for and, therefore, a big emotional/professional "investment" in BD can sometimes get caught up in the griping about this and that, like Nisaa posted. But, also as she and others have posted, we really do love what we do, are so happy to share this art with others, and work to encourage respect for the art.

Your thoughts and words are appreciated!

Deborah

Originally Posted by laura 2

Thank you so much! It's students like you who make dealing with all the PITA's totally worth it!

What's a PITA?

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

What's a PITA?

Pain In The Ass.

As for the matter at hand: Instructors must walk a VERY fine line between saying too much, and saying too little (feedback) - especially with beginners. I know, I've taught dance (not Belly) - and I learned this one the "hard way".

Originally Posted by zorba

Pain In The Ass.

As for the matter at hand: Instructors must walk a VERY fine line between saying too much, and saying too little (feedback) - especially with beginners. I know, I've taught dance (not Belly) - and I learned this one the "hard way".

..l;,..l;,..l;,..l;,
And all this time I thought it was a bread....

Zorba, what form of dance did you teach?

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

After reading a few threads about defining pro versus "a really great dancer" and newbies getting paid for perfoming, I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who teach. I can see how it's frustrating to see inexperienced dancers teaching, performing etc. presenting to the gp what is mediocre at best.

I would love to take a class for beginners who are serious about learning and wouldn't mind if my instructor were more strict about rhythms, counting, sharper movements, etc, but I understand that most in my class and level (where I am from at least) want to have fun and get a little exercise.

It must be difficult to be on the other side of the class (the teacher) and have to accomodate all the needs of the students.

I realize teaching is your bread and butter so it may be hard to lay down strict standards but please don't give up. Good teachers are hard to find. Maybe because some are caving in to students who want their egos stroked.

I guess I just wanted to say hang in there!! ,r:;

Ditto!

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

..l;,..l;,..l;,..l;,
And all this time I thought it was a bread....

Zorba, what form of dance did you teach?

Greek Folk. It was a result of that class that I became a Belly Dancer - one of my students was one, and wanted an "unbiased" critique from a non Belly Dancer one day - once I saw her dance, I had to do it too!

Thanks for the kind words and support.

There are times when it can be frustrating as a teacher to hold a class that appeals to every type of student - whether it's just for fun and try something new, to a more serious student who wants to take their dancing farther.

But when I see all of my students enjoying it, having fun, or even wanting to perform at a hafla or recital, it's all worth it. That's when I'm the happiest ~ when I'm watching my students truly enjoying themselves.