Thread: Gift for my teacher who is moving....boo hoo

I thought I'd ask teachers this question. My teacher is moving at the end of the month and I'd like to get her something nice to show my appreciation.

Background: I took an adult ed. BD class last year & that was the real start of my love affair with BD. I went thru several teachers, I thought I'd have to give up. I felt unwelcomed at some places because I wasn't 20 & a size 2. I'm 50 & a size 10/12ish. Even tho I was always the oldest & biggest in the class, I didn't care. I always gave it everything I've got. I love BD so much, I kept searching. I found another beginning class & pounced. As soon as class began & she started us moving around the room, I knew I was in the right place. She was absolutely mesmerizing in the way she moves but down to earth at the same time. Of course, I felt I'd hit the jackpot! She made all of us feel that we could absolutely do everything she was doing. And we tried, too! She moved at our pace & didn't rush thru the lesson if some of us were struggling. She was patient & kind. I again was the oldest & biggest but I never felt that was an issue. It never came into my mind. What did come into my mind is that I wanted to learn & to do the moves correctly. And the more classes I took, the more I wanted to learn. I was like a sponge. What me and other students discussed was the fact that she is comfortable in her body, comfortable in her own skin. And I feel that most women (maybe not here on Bhuz) are not comfortable in their own skin. I know I wasn't. She made me feel welcome and happy that I was there (I'm getting teary thinking about it).

She told us that she was moving and as her plans became more final, I began taking as many private lessons as I could so that I could learn everything from her that I could. I've been taking classes/privates for about 8 months now.

She has no idea how she has changed my life. She has pushed me beyond my comfort zone & tells me what she thinks. I love that! She also tells me what she thinks I can do even when I don't feel it. She has a confidence that I am striving to achieve. I do have more confidence in my spirit & in my body than when I began. I feel better about myself as a woman & I am getting better as a dancer. I work a lot of hours so I don't always get practice in. But I think she can tell during our privates now that I am giving it everything I've got. She's started introducing me to others in the BD communities so that I can find another teacher. And yesterday, she had me dancing with a cane even tho I had NO desire to learn it. But I trust her & now I'm freaking wanting to buy myself a cane! She's one in a trillion.

I could go on but you all get the point. Now as teachers, what would you like to receive from your favorite student if you were moving away?

Thanks for listening & any advice you can give. Sorry it's so long.

Originally Posted by chisgran

I could go on but you all get the point. Now as teachers, what would you like to receive from your favorite student if you were moving away?

A copy of this note. The best gifts I have ever received as a teacher have involved my students telling me how much the classes, performances, and love of this dance have brought them happiness.

What Mahsati said. One of my private students sent me a card with such a nice note that it made me cry. I pull it out to reread it from time to time...

I agree with what's been posted. At the end of last semester, one of my students (adult academic, not dance) told me how much he'd enjoyed my class and how I'd inspired him to want to learn more and become a well-educated person. I was really touched, and all the trinkets in the world--no matter how thoughtful and much appreciated--can't match that.

If you do want to give her some sort of memento, perhaps a framed photo of your class, or even a plaque might be nice. (One of my classes once gave me a plaque inscribed with a thank you and all their names.)

Flowers, jewelry (inscribed), a plaque, etc. are all tangible mementos that a teacher would surely appreciate. I agree with those above, that a personal note or card reflecting how your experience with your teacher has changed your life in some way will be even more appreciated.

Why? I believe a teacher's passion is in the sharing of the excitement of life and of learning. Therefore a personal, handwritten thank-you will be something more meaningful which will be treasured forever.

I'm including here one of many such notes, some of which have made their way onto my website, but all are in a special folder. It's from the first of many students who have blossomed so beautifully over the past 11 years. She sent it to me five years after moving away from my city to the west coast, where she continues to dance and perform.

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I wasn't prepared for all the comments after my performance last night. One of the ladies said that I was "so exact"'; and others said, "your arms/ hands are great' , "so snaky" , 'so precise'.

I usually blow off the compliments with "Yeah our teacher used to beat us with an assaya, just kidding, she was an awesome teacher!"

So I said that again last night and it occurred to me that I hadn't said that to you! So now I'm saying it, YOU ARE AN AWESOME TEACHER! You have given me so much! The dance has healed me immensely, it helped me overcome past traumas, remember my creativity, and helped me recover from disability. I owe all that to you. Even when I was getting frustrated you were always patient and understanding. Thank you Kellye!

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Better than an 18K gold necklace any day!


Khalida

I agree, the most precious thing you can give her is a note saying what you said in your post. I have a few from students-and I love them!

same same.
a momento is nice - but paired with a heartfelt letter - that's what makes being a teacher so special.

Good luck in your dance journey.

THanks for all the great replies. It's really hard to decide..