Thread: My studio has no mirrors!

I just checked out the community center hall today and there are no mirrors! Ack!!!

The only way I can think of getting around this is to keep turning so my students can see my movements from the front and back....not to mention that will be necessary to see how they are doing.

Has anyone taught in a mirrorless studio? What was your experience? I can't imagine learning the dance without reflective surfaces...does it make that big of a difference?

It may be a bad thing, but it may be a good thing. My first studio had no mirrors so the teacher did a lot of verbal feed back, but mostly you were left on your own. I began to teach with tons of mirrors in my own studio, and I developed "kite on a string" performance paralysis by looking too long in the mirrors. I was an excellent shadow puppet.

No mirrors in the studio can sometimes be a plus for some women (especially new dancers) who are uncomfortable seeing themselves engaging in awkward new movements. I've been to excellent classes where the lack of mirrors (or deliberately turning away from the mirrors even when they are there) encouraged the students to relate to the teacher and one another more directly, such as by dancing in a circle or in small groups/pairs and focusing on mirroring each other rather than getting stuck in their own reflection.

I often take classes with no mirrors! We've managed fine without them and it doesn't bother me at all anymore. I think it's a good thing because I sometimes couldn't do certain difficult moves like flutters or bellyrolls without looking at the mirror so I think it's great not to get too used to them.

That would be a deal killer for me. For most people, visual learning is very important. They don't just need to see you do the move, they need to see themselves do the move. Beginners lack body awareness -- you are cutting off one of their main ways they can use to figure out if they are doing something right.

Can the class be fun without mirrors? Sure. Can the student leave feeling that the class has been rewarding? Sure. Will they learn as much dance? I don't think so.

I would be willing to bet the community center would not presume to put a ballet teacher in a room with no mirrors.

I also do not host workshops in spaces with no mirrors, for the same reason. I am willing to *take* a workshop with no mirrors, only because if I didn't, I'd have very few workshops to take besides my own!

Duly noted....feeling so much better about the situation now. I think this will help me be a better teacher than I could have with mirrors (doing more of a monkey-see-monkey-do class) than giving my students good feedback. Thank you for the replies!

It's really fun hearing everyone's stories...if someone has something to add I'm still tracking my thread. : )

I did 10 years of ballet classes without mirrors, and I never felt the lack of them. I simply didn't know any different. Now I teach bellydance, I've done it both with and without mirrors. I definitely prefer the latter, and I think that once students get to an intermediate level, it really does make it hard to teach some skills without the visual feedback. For eg, the difference between a hip flick and a Sohair Zaki style drop or 'chonk'. Some students don't have enough body awareness to understand the difference in execution without the visual feedback.

But for beginner classes, I think you can get along just fine. You need to become adept at mirroring your students - calling out 'left' when you're going right! I think you need to teach each move, or sequence, both mirroring (so you can watch and explain), then also facing the same way as your students, so it's easier for them to follow along. Some students simply can't process a mirror image, or you calling right and left when thats not what they're seeing. A head microphone can help project your voice when you're looking away. Also, you can pair up your students and get one to execute a move while the other watches for certain things in their execution, so that they can still get that specific feedback on how they're executing each move.

My very first classes, the ones Zahra Zuhair still teaches at the local Rec center, had no mirrors. By the second class each night it would get dark enough outside that if we opened the blinds we'd see our reflections in the window, which is helpful if you can ignore all the passing basketball player and skaters and whatnot. :P

She usually would face the wall (between window panels) for demonstrations, but she'd also turn to talk to students and mirror them. There was a lot of across-the-floor traveling as well, which gave yet another window reflection (if all the blinds were open).

We all went along like that for years, but I must say, when she first opened her studio it was a HUGE step up to be able to see ourselves (at any time of day). I'm working getting on a dance room in the backhouse now, and I don't have a floor or even finished walls in there yet, but my mirrors are ready to go! :P

My first belly dance classes were in a studio without mirrors. Everyone stood in a big circle around the teachers, who rotated so we could see them from all angles. I danced for over 2 years without mirrors, and I turned out okay. Most of the workshops I've been to lacked mirrors as well, and I still managed to learn.

However, I do like mirrors. It makes it easier to see if my movements are matching the teacher's or my classmates when working on choreographies.

Originally Posted by nasila

My very first classes, the ones Zahra Zuhair still teaches at the local Rec center, had no mirrors. By the second class each night it would get dark enough outside that if we opened the blinds we'd see our reflections in the window, which is helpful if you can ignore all the passing basketball player and skaters and whatnot. :P

I had the same experience during my first few years as a student! I loved the winter months because we got a little extra "window" time :)

I've taught a few classes in spaces without mirrors as well, and I also find that it can make it easier for women who are nervous about seeing themselves trying out new movements. My mom was just telling me that she signed up for a kick boxing class, and she got there early to get a space NOT near a mirror.

But like others mentioned above, beyond the introductory classes, mirrors definitely become more essential. Would the rec center consider getting large portable mirrors? I teach a class at a local YMCA, and I was able to convince them to purchase two large mirrors on wheels that I can roll out at the beginning of each class (I teach in the rock climbing gym). After they bought them for me, the Zumba instructors were able to use too.

I teach without mirrors as we work on a balcony of somebody's home.

For class instruction, I mirror at first, going slowly with each move, moving my right side and saying "left" for example. I will demonstrate a move facing the class, turn to my right side so they can see a side view, then to my left side for the other side view (also helps those of the class on the wrong 'side' to get a good view), and then face the back for the last demo. Then I turn to the front and mirror again as they start to practise the move. After they've (mostly) got it, I will occasionally turn around to allow them to follow my lead, especially when I'm doing a sequence or choreography.

Most of the ladies enjoy not having mirrors, they focus on themselves and me, rather than on how they look. Once, when I arranged mirrors, they were horrified at how a move "created rolls", and I swiftly got rid of the mirrors.

However, I do strongly recommend that each student practices at home in front of a mirror. I tell them that in class, they can watch me and each other. At home, they need to see what they're doing. It seems to work. I often find a student has improved greatly between classes and discover she has done some mirror time at home.

OTOH, I always dance in front of a mirror when I'm training, and sometimes video myself so that I can check for errors.

Originally Posted by Doozer

I just checked out the community center hall today and there are no mirrors! Ack!!!

The only way I can think of getting around this is to keep turning so my students can see my movements from the front and back....not to mention that will be necessary to see how they are doing.

Has anyone taught in a mirrorless studio? What was your experience? I can't imagine learning the dance without reflective surfaces...does it make that big of a difference?

I taught in a mirrorless studio for 3 years, but I am very hands on when I teach so I was ok with it, a lot of my students did'nt want mirrors either, plus the studio space I was renting did not want mirrors put in so you know, the experience I had with it was good I think because it gave me the training in hands on teaching which made my students feel like more connected with as a teacher. the new studio i am going into soon may or may not have mirrors but if they dont I will most likely buy Stand alone body size mirrors just because even if i have mirrors I will still teach the way I have over the years

Good luck to you :)

I guess I'll be a bit of a 'debbie downer' :(

I would do anything and everything in your power to acquire mirrors. I think dancing in a studio without mirrors needs to be an option not the only option. Here are my reasons: depending on the number of students you have, there is no way you can keep an eye on all of them (I don't care if you have 4 or 15). With beginner dancers, posture and correct position are one of those things you only get one chance at, otherwise you'll be undoing bad habits the rest of your dance career. If you can't see all of them at the same time, you have no way of catching them before they injure themselves. I think that should trump everything else. If your students start getting hurt or there's a risk of them getting hurt because you can't see them, I wouldn't gamble with their well being.

Secondly, I think teaching belly dance "should" be taught in 'tri-fold' practice: see yourself doing it (in the mirror while mirroring your teacher), feel it (self doing as well as teacher correcting and hearing it (hearing the names 'hip drop', etc. Not everyone learns the same way, giving all options will only ensure a productive class and positive outcome.

Just my opinion, good luck!

One of the spaces that I teach at has no mirrors, but it does have floor to ceiling windows, which usually work fine (Although Daylight Savings affects that! LOL).

My first teaching gig was in a yoga studio without mirrors and I invested in 6 door mirrors from Ikea to get me through class. Plus I think the other teacher before me had left some of her mirrors. I found them to helpful, especially if there are enough for each student to have her own mirror. It affects me and my ability to teach, but I would rather them have something than nothing.

I would start researching mirrors and try to get some. If it is a matter of installation, I've seen all sorts of rigs that make dancer mirrors more movable-portable...Plus if you pay for it yourself, you'll be able to take them with you when you leave.

I am currently teaching without mirrors after years of having taught with mirrors.

With some students the mirrors are huge distraction/disadvantage....if they can't see themselves, then they have to focus on how the move feels and not how they look.

I do have a small (about 30" high and 18" wide) that I use when I need to.

I'm now thinking that for very new students, no mirror might be a better option. They have to focus on the teacher and what the teacher is saying and doing instead of watching themselves and thinking (most likely) negative thoughts.

Once they have some confidence that they are doing moves correctly, then adding mirrors is definitely a plus!

It might be that having/using mirrors depends on who you have in class.

Sure - my first classes as a student, no mirrors, as a teacher, I've often worked without mirrors.

In that case, I like the circle idea, people get a nice sense of community that way also.

When I was a student, I'd go home a practice in the mirror. Getting students to practice, well, that's an art in itself unfortunately.

Note: I prefer using mirrors. But it's possible to learn and to teach without them, as others have pointed out you don't have them when you perform, you have to feel the move, and they can actually inhibit a sense of community in class.

I recall an earlier Bhuz discussion re mirrors. An affordable option would be the mylar alternative. I knew someone that used it when teaching in a space without mirrors, she also utilized mylar when she opened her own studio. I believe Ezma's teacher has mylar and it works for them.

when i first started learning, my first class, we didn't have mirrors at all... all i can say is they help..... A LOT!....

or you could use an old poi trick: put a very bright light behind the student and they can watch their shadow. Is it as precise as mirrors? No. But enough to give you an idea of your alignment? yes. Works better for small groups, obv. :)

Jewel, I'm obsessed with the bedlah in your avatar. And I click on it, but it doesn't "embiggen" :) Any chance I could see a pic of it somewhere else? Pweeeze?

I teach without mirrors and so far, my students are doing an amazing job. Don't get me wrong, I didn't like the idea at first, but I am growing to like it.
I believe that dancing in a way where you "feel" the music and the moves will help your dancing tremendously. Relying on your teacher to correct your form while you are learning is equally important. The more you correct your students, the more they will feel the way it should be and it will be easier for them as they continue their studies.
From my own experience learning dance, it is easy to get stuck on the mirror, worrying about what we "look" like rather than how we are dancing or interpreting the music.
Just my opinion...hope it helps.

Originally Posted by YogaBelly

From my own experience learning dance, it is easy to get stuck on the mirror, worrying about what we "look" like rather than how we are dancing or interpreting the music.

I was thinking the same thing about performance technique.

I think for beginners, a mirror is pretty important. What beginners -think- they're doing is often very different from what they're -really- doing.

For intermediate and advanced, I think practicing without the mirror is important. Getting used to watching the mirror locks your head in place and really can hamper performance technique.

In my personal basement studio, I have mirrors on two walls but have lately been practicing with my back to them and looking out at the back wall as though it were an audience. It definitely changes how I dance. I don't actually like how I dance when I'm watching myself in a mirror.

Originally Posted by kemintiri

Jewel, I'm obsessed with the bedlah in your avatar. And I click on it, but it doesn't "embiggen" :) Any chance I could see a pic of it somewhere else? Pweeeze?

Oops, just saw this!

I'm obsessed with that bedlah, too. It was my very first purchase and I love it so much I keep adding to the bra cups so I can continue to wear it as I get fatter I bought it in Sharm El Shiek, of all places, from a lovely bellydance shop. I have no idea who the designer is, but I've seen only a handful of other bedlahs that use such big plastic beads in such a lovely way. After almost 10 years, the lengths of beads are finally starting to fray :-(

Here's a slightly better picture: Jewel Bellydance - Belly dance classes melbourne Australia ::: Performances

Or here: Jewel's Performance Photos | Facebook (before it needed boob surgery!)

If I die tomorrow, I want to be buried in this thing.

That is gorgeous! FYI I looked at your webpage & your homeapge links to Facebook & Youtube (near the bottom) need tweaking, the url's not right - the links go to error pages. Do you know what I mean? if not let me know (or maybe it's just me?)

Originally Posted by jewelbellydance

Here's a slightly better picture: Jewel Bellydance - Belly dance classes melbourne Australia ::: Performances

Or here: Jewel's Performance Photos | Facebook (before it needed boob surgery!)

If I die tomorrow, I want to be buried in this thing.

Originally Posted by jewelbellydance

Oops, just saw this!

I'm obsessed with that bedlah, too. It was my very first purchase and I love it so much I keep adding to the bra cups so I can continue to wear it as I get fatter I bought it in Sharm El Shiek, of all places, from a lovely bellydance shop. I have no idea who the designer is, but I've seen only a handful of other bedlahs that use such big plastic beads in such a lovely way. After almost 10 years, the lengths of beads are finally starting to fray :-(

Here's a slightly better picture: Jewel Bellydance - Belly dance classes melbourne Australia ::: Performances

Or here: Jewel's Performance Photos | Facebook (before it needed boob surgery!)If I die tomorrow, I want to be buried in this thing.

awesome, thank you so much! I have purple fabric and some pink stones, I may attempt something like this. And that fringe is so delicious!

Originally Posted by anthea

That is gorgeous! FYI I looked at your webpage & your homeapge links to Facebook & Youtube (near the bottom) need tweaking, the url's not right - the links go to error pages. Do you know what I mean? if not let me know (or maybe it's just me?)

Hmm, I would say it's you, because the links work alright for me BUT I have had someone else say they had a problem with the facebook link. I assumed it was because they weren't a facebook member. Maybe there is an issue. What browser are you using? I'll get my I.T. hubbie to look at it.