Thread: Why do you teach?

I'd be stupid to not take this opportunity to start teaching the dance: the local community center director is dying to get some bellydance classes going here in our small town. I've had to think about it for a couple of weeks because it was important to me to be clear on WHY I'd be doing this.

a) I want people to have the right idea of what the dance is about.
b) It's important that they execute movements correctly and safely.
c) It's important baby bellies know good fundamentals before they venture into 'fusion' bellydance.
d) It's a social dance and so much more fun to do with friends.
e) Teaching would be as much of an education for me as them. Sometimes students ask questions that require a lot of thought to answer!
f) I would be more motivated to stay sharp.

This is not about ego for me at all: in fact, the thought of teaching bellydance frightens the bejeesus out of me. I want to do a good job!

I agree with everything you said. I love bellydance and I love seeing that spark in someone else when they get it.

Sounds like you're going into it with a good attitude!

The main reason I teach is because I want to share the joy that Egyptian Dance has given me over the years. I want my students to get the fun from the social side of the dance, I want them to get the skills for the performance side of the dance, I want them to be fit, I want them to understand their own body, I want them to love the dance and the music as much as I do (although I am realistic enough not to *expect* them to be as obsessive as I am!).

All wonderful reasons, and I'll add my favorite- It is just plain fun! I love teaching- I love helping someone understand something and watching their face light up when they finally get it. I love challenging and pushing my more advanced dancers and seeing what they come up with.


PS- making a living wage is also a legit reason to teach, so go in there with your business savvy too! Teaching is not a hobby, it is a vocation.

I think you have thought it all out.

I teach because I love it and want to connect with people who love it as much as I do.

Teaching really put me on top of my game because I had to make sure I really know what I am talking about before I ever open my mouth.

With the exception of (c), all of the above.

There is a definite danger of fusion here, being that Africa has hip circles entrenched in their genetic make up , but I had not considered giving them a foundation before fusing. In fact, I don't think I want to even suggest it may be possible until they're getting it done right!

Nice post!

I teach because I was approached by my local college. I am a trained teacher so I was not concerned on that front. I went to the foundation course of dance teacher training and was reassured as to my technique and it's my only paid employment now (I am on pensions). I love passing on the technique of this dance that I admire so much. I like to make sure they know some background. I can't say I am always inspired to get up and go out at night but once there I seem to catch their enthusiasm and it is pleasant to walk through the college corridors and realise I am still employable in my dotage!LIZAJUK

i knew i was to teach dance the min. i walked into my first studio in 1953. i have taught dance since 1966. it is what i am here to do...and if i did not , i might go crazy with all the info in my head!..

Care to do a partial brain transplant?

I just saw the 'studio' for the first time. No mirrors!!!!

How in the heck am I gonna get around that?

Going to start a new thread on that subject.