Thread: Should I say something: Beginner student teaching seniors

Andalee - I'm sorry to see you upset and regretful that you posted here. I commend you for seeking advice to help you decide how to handle a delicate situation. To me, THAT is the sign of a good teacher: one who doesn't assume she knows it all and is continually looking to learn more. I think you are handling this situation as best as you can. Don't kick yourself for that, just learn from it.

I think a frank talk, face-to-face with your student is unavoidable. Email can be too easily misinterpreted. I know it's hard and uncomfortable, but it's necessary. I would use the word "dangerous" liberally in describing her actions and also emphasis "respect" for other people's bodies. Be clear and firm and then supportive and encouraging. Perhaps steering away from a prepared script and letting spontaneity guide your speech will help it be sincere and heartfelt. It's obvious you care deeply about MED!

As an avenue to improve your own teaching and hopefully your student's, have you considered taking a Teacher Training course for bellydancers? I know there are many being marketed out there these days. In light of the delicate situation with elderly bodies you described, I highly recommend Hadia's courses (Belly Dancing -- Hadia's - Welcome to Hadia's Middle Eastern Dance -- Hadia's Belly Dancing). A trained, practicing physical therapist, her approach to dance and teaching is so "body logic", safe and easy. She is a very professional, demanding of her students, but also very inspiring and warm. A course with her will totally turn your dance world upside down but will leave you wanting more. I had been teaching for years when I took Level 1 and was shocked to learn I'd been teaching technique that was unsafe! Yet that's what everyone does and has been doing for years. She has totally revolutionized my dance and I am so grateful.

I wish you all the best in everything you face in dance. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? So embrace each obstacle with gratitude! ..l;,

Originally Posted by Lauren_

oooh, so 'bead level,' 'coin level', 'paillette level' all the way up to 'third degree sequin master.'

Oh no, I think I feel a Facebook application coming on!

i think you did the right thing confronting her....i dont care how much "dance" experience someone has, they are not ready to teach after only 14 weeks of lessons

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I think there should be a system of colored hip scarves and 'testing up' through the belts....

..l;,..l;,..l;,..l;,..l;,

Would you have to "spar" with another dancer to test up/earn your next belt? 'Cuz I think the dance-offs could get really interesting...!

Originally Posted by Kash13

Perhaps there should be some kind of points system, where you gain experience points for class and practice, and level up at intervals (like an RPG) but when you reach a certain level, you can no longer "grind" XP in low level classes ..l;,

Now I'm trying to figure out what you play.

Power leveling - would we allow it?

Originally Posted by Lauren_

oooh, so 'bead level,' 'coin level', 'paillette level' all the way up to 'third degree sequin master.'

This I could get into.