That student of mine who was diagnosed with severe depression quit a couple of weeks ago. The director told me that the student made the dance team at school. Dance team is free. Money is tight for her family, so she would be doing that instead. Selfishly, I was a little upset that I couldn't keep an eye on this kid. But, I thought, she's still dancing & it's free.. it's a win/win situation for her & her family.
Yesterday, I got an email from the student. It said, 'You must hate me because I quit. I'm really sorry. I miss you already. I've had some issues this year & this is a change I needed to make for me'.
I wrote back 'No, I don't hate you. I understand that you wanted to try something new. Good for you. It looks like you're being proactive in sorting out whatever it is that's wrong. Hope to see you soon. Keep in touch.'
When she responds again, she opens up a bit about her depression, tells me more about the dance team, etc. She thanked me for being a great teacher & begged me again not to be mad at her. Oh boy. I wrote her back & filled the email with lots of compliments, a personal story from high school and forsight into her future. I told her to contact me anytime if she needs to talk/vent. I hope I didn't open a can of worms here.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Life outside the classroom
I've been really bad at updating this blog lately. Shame on me! But the reality of it is that there hasn't been too much to blog about. Nothing I'd want to read about anyway.
What's on my mind is what happens to my students outside of my classroom. I'm sure for many of them, life is just peachy keen. Oh to be a kid again! But for some, life's kind of shitty. To be fair, I don't know what goes on at home. Sometimes though, I get a little snippet of their life & really feel for these kids.
I recently became aware of a student of mine who's severely depressed. So much so, that she's already tried to hurt herself. I had no clue. In class, her behavior has been the same. She's always been polite, funny & talkative and still is. She's a good kid.
A few years ago, another student's mom died of cancer. She had been battling her disease for over a year & eventually lost. That entire time, I had no idea her mom was sick. The girl never let on that anything was out of the ordinary. After her death, the girl took on the role of mother for her younger siblings. What a huge responsibility for a teenager.
Everytime I hear of a situation like this, it makes me wonder what else is going on that I don't know about? Is there anything I can do besides allowing them to let dance class be their outlet?
I'm glad the student who's depressed is now getting the help she needs. The other student (who's mom died) is in college now & is a lovely young lady. It's heartbreaking to come across these situations, but from my experience they come out stronger.
What's on my mind is what happens to my students outside of my classroom. I'm sure for many of them, life is just peachy keen. Oh to be a kid again! But for some, life's kind of shitty. To be fair, I don't know what goes on at home. Sometimes though, I get a little snippet of their life & really feel for these kids.
I recently became aware of a student of mine who's severely depressed. So much so, that she's already tried to hurt herself. I had no clue. In class, her behavior has been the same. She's always been polite, funny & talkative and still is. She's a good kid.
A few years ago, another student's mom died of cancer. She had been battling her disease for over a year & eventually lost. That entire time, I had no idea her mom was sick. The girl never let on that anything was out of the ordinary. After her death, the girl took on the role of mother for her younger siblings. What a huge responsibility for a teenager.
Everytime I hear of a situation like this, it makes me wonder what else is going on that I don't know about? Is there anything I can do besides allowing them to let dance class be their outlet?
I'm glad the student who's depressed is now getting the help she needs. The other student (who's mom died) is in college now & is a lovely young lady. It's heartbreaking to come across these situations, but from my experience they come out stronger.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
New Year
Tonight, I'm back to teaching. I'm sure there will be plenty to write about now. Over the summer, there wasn't much to report (dance related). I taught a few summer classes. Some were at the studio with a new group of kids. They were great & eager to learn. I'm looking forward to teaching them this year. I also taught a couple classes at other schools. This past Monday, I taught an advanced contemporary class. They were great too. Maybe because I was new for them, but they didn't talk. They corrected everything I said, right away. They were a pleasure. Which brings me to this blog post. I realized that my regular students and I are too comfortable with each other. Today, I'm coming up with a list of expectations for both them & me.
What I Expect from my Students
1. The word CAN'T is not to be spoken in my classroom. Of course you can! You may be having trouble with something or are working on it, but you never 'can't do something'.
2. Come to class ready to dance. This includes walking in with a positive attitude, dressing appropriately (leotard, shoes, tights, etc), being engaged in every activity and having your hair up. Make sure your hair stays up for the duration of the class.
3. Challenge yourself. Push yourself more than you did the week before. Stretch farther, kick higher, etc. Set goals for yourself. Maybe you want to be able to do a right split by December. Maybe you want to do a triple pirouette in the recital. Work hard & make it happen.
4. Dance with an open mind. If you don't like something, give it a chance. Maybe it'll grow on you, maybe you'll learn something from it. But don't whine about it. Dance is about being a good actress without being able to speak. If you really dislike whatever we're doing, use that time to practice your acting skills. Convince me that you love it.
5. Have confidence in yourself. If something is difficult, don't give up right away. Work at it & it will come. Maybe you'll get it by the end of class. Maybe you'll get it next week. Maybe you'll get it by the end of the year. Imagine your satisfaction if you've been working on something since September and you finally get it in June.
6. Be respectful of your teacher, yourself & your classmates. Everyone is here for the same reason. They love to dance and want to be better. Encourage your friends. Clap when someone tries, does something well, at the end of class, etc. Clapping at the end of class lets your teacher know that you appreciate their time and dedication.
7. Pay attention. Don't let the teacher give the same correction more than once. Even if the teacher is not talking directly to you, she may be saying something that will help you. If she told Susie to point her toes during a leap, make sure that your toes are pointed when it's your turn.
8. Remember, we are here to dance. Keep talking to a minimum & relevant. If you really want to tell me about Grandma Meme's surprise birthday party, send me a message on facebook. I do care about your new puppy & would love to see pictures, but not while I'm trying to dance.
9. Come to class. You can't learn and excel if you're not in class. In fact, you regress. Missing a week, makes that split you've been working on take that much longer to attain. Expecting the teacher to repeat what was taught while you were absent is disrespectful to your classmates that were present.
10. Be ready to start class on time. Warm up is a big deal. You will be capable of achieving more in class when your body is properly stretched. Plan to arrive at the studio before your class begins so that you can pre-stretch & talk with your friends before class. If you must arrive late, come into the class quietly & stretch on your own out of the way.
11. Practice. Practice at home, while your waiting for the bus, standing in line at the grocery store, etc. Show or teach your non-dancing friends what you've been doing. Keep a notebook on how to do a step, any corrections you've received & the counts/steps to a dance.
12. Try something new. Take advantage of the class coupons. Being a versatile dancer makes you a stronger dancer all around. Attend a dance convention. It's so exciting to be able to take a class from a famous dancer/choreographer and be surrounded by a ton of other dancers that share the same passion as you. Maybe it'll be the inspiration that you need.
13. Take corrections well & try to fix it immediately. Ask questions if you need clarification. Remember & apply the correction forever and ever. Please understand that if you receive a correction, it's not because the teacher is picking on you or that you aren't a good dancer. Even professional dancers get corrected (see SYTYCD). Corrections are intended to make you a better dancer. No one is perfect, but we can try.
14. If something happens in class that you weren't happy with, don't take it personally. Reflect on any mistake or correction, and try to do better in the next class. If you are still upset about something, don't go grumbling to mom. Be a mature young adult & see your teacher at the end of class to ask when's a good time to speak with her. In between classes, is not a good time.
15. Be a positive role model. The younger dancers at the school look up to you. They want to be and dance like you. Keep that in mind when you have any contact with them. They absorb your language, energy and attitude.
16. Never roll your eyes, sigh, sit or lean during class. It shows the teacher that you aren't interested in the class or becoming a better dancer.
17. When doing a combination across the floor, the next group is expected to start after the 1st group completes one set of the combination (unless told otherwise). Keep the line moving.
18. If your group is sent back to try the combination again, walk around the sides of the room so that you are not in the way of other dancers.
19. If there is a time when you are waiting for your turn, practice something on your own.
20. If the teacher asks a question, reply. If you have a question, ask it. There's probably other classmates that have the same question & could benefit from the response. Don't just nod if you really don't understand what to do.
21. If a teacher asks you to do something that is different from what you are used to, it does not make either way wrong. It is just different. Be grateful of learning another variation of something you are already familiar with.
22. Keep your body healthy. Eat properly. Stay in shape. Nurse injuries appropriately.
23. Do not gossip. It's not fair to judge. If you have a concern about anything dance related (a student, a teacher, the school, etc), please speak to me (or Miss Sharon) privately.
24. Dancers need to be strong. Strengthening exercises are not meant to be a punishment or torturous. They are necessary to obtain strong muscles needed for more advanced movements.
What My students can Expect from Me:
1. I am here to teach you to be a better dancer. I will give you encouragement, corrections, praise and discipline.
2. Commitment. I will give each class 100%. I want you to be better dancers. I want you to learn. I want you to try harder. I want you to reach your goals. This will be my focus for the entire class and year.
3. Reliability. I will be in class every week, ready to teach. Occasionally, something may come up where I will not be in. In that case, the class will be covered by another teacher.
4. I will challenge you in every class. Material will be presented that is level appropriate & challenging for every student in the class. Students will be encouraged to aim for perfection. If I notice something is too easy for you, I will find a way to make it harder.
5. I do not play favorites. I care about everyone's development as a dancer equally. If you notice that another dancer got a special part in a dance or was chosen for something, it is because they deserved it. They must have worked extra hard or improved a lot. It is not because the teacher likes that dancer better than you. Be honest with yourself to determine why that dancer was chosen.
6. I will take the time to answer questions & explain how/why it is done this way.
7. I will try to expose each class to different styles & techniques to present material in a different light.
I realize my list is so much shorter than theirs. I'll add more soon.
What I Expect from my Students
1. The word CAN'T is not to be spoken in my classroom. Of course you can! You may be having trouble with something or are working on it, but you never 'can't do something'.
2. Come to class ready to dance. This includes walking in with a positive attitude, dressing appropriately (leotard, shoes, tights, etc), being engaged in every activity and having your hair up. Make sure your hair stays up for the duration of the class.
3. Challenge yourself. Push yourself more than you did the week before. Stretch farther, kick higher, etc. Set goals for yourself. Maybe you want to be able to do a right split by December. Maybe you want to do a triple pirouette in the recital. Work hard & make it happen.
4. Dance with an open mind. If you don't like something, give it a chance. Maybe it'll grow on you, maybe you'll learn something from it. But don't whine about it. Dance is about being a good actress without being able to speak. If you really dislike whatever we're doing, use that time to practice your acting skills. Convince me that you love it.
5. Have confidence in yourself. If something is difficult, don't give up right away. Work at it & it will come. Maybe you'll get it by the end of class. Maybe you'll get it next week. Maybe you'll get it by the end of the year. Imagine your satisfaction if you've been working on something since September and you finally get it in June.
6. Be respectful of your teacher, yourself & your classmates. Everyone is here for the same reason. They love to dance and want to be better. Encourage your friends. Clap when someone tries, does something well, at the end of class, etc. Clapping at the end of class lets your teacher know that you appreciate their time and dedication.
7. Pay attention. Don't let the teacher give the same correction more than once. Even if the teacher is not talking directly to you, she may be saying something that will help you. If she told Susie to point her toes during a leap, make sure that your toes are pointed when it's your turn.
8. Remember, we are here to dance. Keep talking to a minimum & relevant. If you really want to tell me about Grandma Meme's surprise birthday party, send me a message on facebook. I do care about your new puppy & would love to see pictures, but not while I'm trying to dance.
9. Come to class. You can't learn and excel if you're not in class. In fact, you regress. Missing a week, makes that split you've been working on take that much longer to attain. Expecting the teacher to repeat what was taught while you were absent is disrespectful to your classmates that were present.
10. Be ready to start class on time. Warm up is a big deal. You will be capable of achieving more in class when your body is properly stretched. Plan to arrive at the studio before your class begins so that you can pre-stretch & talk with your friends before class. If you must arrive late, come into the class quietly & stretch on your own out of the way.
11. Practice. Practice at home, while your waiting for the bus, standing in line at the grocery store, etc. Show or teach your non-dancing friends what you've been doing. Keep a notebook on how to do a step, any corrections you've received & the counts/steps to a dance.
12. Try something new. Take advantage of the class coupons. Being a versatile dancer makes you a stronger dancer all around. Attend a dance convention. It's so exciting to be able to take a class from a famous dancer/choreographer and be surrounded by a ton of other dancers that share the same passion as you. Maybe it'll be the inspiration that you need.
13. Take corrections well & try to fix it immediately. Ask questions if you need clarification. Remember & apply the correction forever and ever. Please understand that if you receive a correction, it's not because the teacher is picking on you or that you aren't a good dancer. Even professional dancers get corrected (see SYTYCD). Corrections are intended to make you a better dancer. No one is perfect, but we can try.
14. If something happens in class that you weren't happy with, don't take it personally. Reflect on any mistake or correction, and try to do better in the next class. If you are still upset about something, don't go grumbling to mom. Be a mature young adult & see your teacher at the end of class to ask when's a good time to speak with her. In between classes, is not a good time.
15. Be a positive role model. The younger dancers at the school look up to you. They want to be and dance like you. Keep that in mind when you have any contact with them. They absorb your language, energy and attitude.
16. Never roll your eyes, sigh, sit or lean during class. It shows the teacher that you aren't interested in the class or becoming a better dancer.
17. When doing a combination across the floor, the next group is expected to start after the 1st group completes one set of the combination (unless told otherwise). Keep the line moving.
18. If your group is sent back to try the combination again, walk around the sides of the room so that you are not in the way of other dancers.
19. If there is a time when you are waiting for your turn, practice something on your own.
20. If the teacher asks a question, reply. If you have a question, ask it. There's probably other classmates that have the same question & could benefit from the response. Don't just nod if you really don't understand what to do.
21. If a teacher asks you to do something that is different from what you are used to, it does not make either way wrong. It is just different. Be grateful of learning another variation of something you are already familiar with.
22. Keep your body healthy. Eat properly. Stay in shape. Nurse injuries appropriately.
23. Do not gossip. It's not fair to judge. If you have a concern about anything dance related (a student, a teacher, the school, etc), please speak to me (or Miss Sharon) privately.
24. Dancers need to be strong. Strengthening exercises are not meant to be a punishment or torturous. They are necessary to obtain strong muscles needed for more advanced movements.
What My students can Expect from Me:
1. I am here to teach you to be a better dancer. I will give you encouragement, corrections, praise and discipline.
2. Commitment. I will give each class 100%. I want you to be better dancers. I want you to learn. I want you to try harder. I want you to reach your goals. This will be my focus for the entire class and year.
3. Reliability. I will be in class every week, ready to teach. Occasionally, something may come up where I will not be in. In that case, the class will be covered by another teacher.
4. I will challenge you in every class. Material will be presented that is level appropriate & challenging for every student in the class. Students will be encouraged to aim for perfection. If I notice something is too easy for you, I will find a way to make it harder.
5. I do not play favorites. I care about everyone's development as a dancer equally. If you notice that another dancer got a special part in a dance or was chosen for something, it is because they deserved it. They must have worked extra hard or improved a lot. It is not because the teacher likes that dancer better than you. Be honest with yourself to determine why that dancer was chosen.
6. I will take the time to answer questions & explain how/why it is done this way.
7. I will try to expose each class to different styles & techniques to present material in a different light.
I realize my list is so much shorter than theirs. I'll add more soon.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Affirmations
I like when I can find great quotes or affirmations that relate to dance. Here are some that I like.
Football coach Vince Lombardi’s quote, “Inches make champions”.
I like Michael Jordan's quote: “Some people wish it would happen, some hope it will happen, and some make it happen.” I ask my students what they are doing right now to make themselves better dancers.
If you are not planning to succeed, you will fail.
Find your balance.
Football coach Vince Lombardi’s quote, “Inches make champions”.
I like Michael Jordan's quote: “Some people wish it would happen, some hope it will happen, and some make it happen.” I ask my students what they are doing right now to make themselves better dancers.
If you are not planning to succeed, you will fail.
Find your balance.
French Not Spoken Here
I love this lady. I always look forward to reading articles from her. Glad to hear she's on the same page as me. Read on for a chuckle.
French Not Spoken Here
French Not Spoken Here
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Over the summer, I've been teaching a beginner lyric class. These girls are about 10. One of the students is new to the school & hasn't danced in a couple of years. The director of the school just forwarded me an email from the new girls mom. (Names have been changed)
Dear Director,
I'm not sure if Mary should continue the Lyric Class because at Thursday's class she injured her neck slightly from one of the fast moves the teacher (Me) taught that requires a fast circular motion of the head. -- (We were just standing in 2nd, doing a 1/2 head circle)
Her neck hurt quite a bit that night and so much the next day that I ended up taking her to a chiropractor who diagnosed a muscle spasm which was affecting one of the vertabrae in the neck. -- Oh, brother
Thankfully, it seems to have resolved after that treatment. I'm not used to Mary having injuries from dance class - she was in a ballet school for 6 years with not a single injury...... (the girl is 9 maybe 10. She hasn't danced in 2 years. What could they possibly do in creative movement where she might get injured.)
I know she has been away from dance for two years and that may have something to do with it, but I was not aware that the Lyric Class involved quite a few fast and somewhat "jerky" movements. She also finds the stretching exercises involving trying to do a "split" straining - to the point where she thought she might "pull" one of those groin muscles, too...(She is not very flexible right now.) --- hahahahahahahahahahahaha! Stretching isn't supposed to be straining?
I don't know what to do - I don't want to worry about her getting injured anymore. She does like the class, but maybe it's just not right for her. I don't know how you ( & the teacher) can safeguard her against getting injured, and I don't need that worry.
Oh boy! That's all I have to say.
Dear Director,
I'm not sure if Mary should continue the Lyric Class because at Thursday's class she injured her neck slightly from one of the fast moves the teacher (Me) taught that requires a fast circular motion of the head. -- (We were just standing in 2nd, doing a 1/2 head circle)
Her neck hurt quite a bit that night and so much the next day that I ended up taking her to a chiropractor who diagnosed a muscle spasm which was affecting one of the vertabrae in the neck. -- Oh, brother
Thankfully, it seems to have resolved after that treatment. I'm not used to Mary having injuries from dance class - she was in a ballet school for 6 years with not a single injury...... (the girl is 9 maybe 10. She hasn't danced in 2 years. What could they possibly do in creative movement where she might get injured.)
I know she has been away from dance for two years and that may have something to do with it, but I was not aware that the Lyric Class involved quite a few fast and somewhat "jerky" movements. She also finds the stretching exercises involving trying to do a "split" straining - to the point where she thought she might "pull" one of those groin muscles, too...(She is not very flexible right now.) --- hahahahahahahahahahahaha! Stretching isn't supposed to be straining?
I don't know what to do - I don't want to worry about her getting injured anymore. She does like the class, but maybe it's just not right for her. I don't know how you ( & the teacher) can safeguard her against getting injured, and I don't need that worry.
Oh boy! That's all I have to say.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Summer Classes
Tuesday was my first class since the recital. I'm only teaching one summer class & it's a beginner lyric class. God, am I sore though. It's been about a month since I last danced, you might think it'd been a year.
The kids were great though. There's six girls in the class, but only five were there. One of them is new to the school and the other four were students of Miss C (teacher of the younger ones). I would say they're around age 10 (give or take... mostly take). They were all well behaved, eager to learn and willing to try anything. I love that. It's so nice to have students that want to learn rather than ones that want to complain.
Their next class is tonight. I hope it's more of the same.
The kids were great though. There's six girls in the class, but only five were there. One of them is new to the school and the other four were students of Miss C (teacher of the younger ones). I would say they're around age 10 (give or take... mostly take). They were all well behaved, eager to learn and willing to try anything. I love that. It's so nice to have students that want to learn rather than ones that want to complain.
Their next class is tonight. I hope it's more of the same.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
They listen!
Yesterday was a miraculous day. While I was teaching my jazz class (they are 3 levels from the advanced class & mostly 8th graders), three of my students from the advanced class came in early to practice their own dances.
When it's really close to recital time, I like to have anyone that's watching give the dance a grade. It works like this: they start with 100 points. Every time the dancers make a mistake, they lose one point. I like this because it makes the dancers work harder the next time to improve their grade and it keeps the onlookers involved and observant. They are also welcome to give corrections if they'd like.
During the jazz class, I had them take turns showing their dance with the few advanced girls. The advanced girls were full of corrections. Everything that popped out of their mouth were things that they are VERY guilty of all the time. Advanced Girl #1- 'Make sure when you land out of a leap, you don't sound like an elephant.' Advanced Girl #2 (correcting her younger sister)- 'Don't let your hands turn into claws.' Advanced Girl #3- 'No floppy feet!'
What???? Are there parrots in here? I've been giving these same corrections to the advanced girls for the past five years. It's nice to know they listen. It would be even better if they applied their own corrections. Lets see what happens tonight.
When it's really close to recital time, I like to have anyone that's watching give the dance a grade. It works like this: they start with 100 points. Every time the dancers make a mistake, they lose one point. I like this because it makes the dancers work harder the next time to improve their grade and it keeps the onlookers involved and observant. They are also welcome to give corrections if they'd like.
During the jazz class, I had them take turns showing their dance with the few advanced girls. The advanced girls were full of corrections. Everything that popped out of their mouth were things that they are VERY guilty of all the time. Advanced Girl #1- 'Make sure when you land out of a leap, you don't sound like an elephant.' Advanced Girl #2 (correcting her younger sister)- 'Don't let your hands turn into claws.' Advanced Girl #3- 'No floppy feet!'
What???? Are there parrots in here? I've been giving these same corrections to the advanced girls for the past five years. It's nice to know they listen. It would be even better if they applied their own corrections. Lets see what happens tonight.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Longest Rehearsal Ever
This past Saturday, the studio held a 3 part rehearsal. Part 1- Rama Lama from 12:30-1:30pm. This involves the Thursday advanced jazz class and the Wednesday jazz class (who are 1 level below the advanced class). Part 2- Opener from 1:30-3pm. This involves the top 3 levels of tap. It's the same dance every year with minor changes. Part 3- Finale from 3-5:30pm. This involves the top 4 tap classes as well as some jazz dancers.
Rama Lama- This is the first and last time I will combine these classes together to try and make a huge cool dance. The lack of effort is disgusting. Besides that, I accomplished what I needed to during that hour.
Opener- This was fine.
Finale- Coming into this rehearsal, this was the plan: my choreography partner was supposed to meet with the rest of the faculty to teach them the teacher section of the dance, while I gave all the students arm movements and transitions to do in the background. Then we'd clean, clean, clean & everything would be great. That's not what happened.
We ran the entire finale once. The director walked in at the very end, where it's the messiest and flipped out. 'Why aren't their spots written down?' Really? These are mostly high school students and you want me to waste time during the one rehearsal a month to write down where they stand at every point of this eight minute dance. You've got to be kidding me! Especially, when at every rehearsal one of the 50+ dancers drop out. Why do I sign up for this? This lady has lost her mind. She ended up wasting the rest of the rehearsal writing down spots and moving them based on height. Then she'd move them back because the color of their costume is different than the person next to them. Ughhh! Leave me alone and let me do my job! I've thought of this already & it just doesn't work. I hate you!
Rama Lama- This is the first and last time I will combine these classes together to try and make a huge cool dance. The lack of effort is disgusting. Besides that, I accomplished what I needed to during that hour.
Opener- This was fine.
Finale- Coming into this rehearsal, this was the plan: my choreography partner was supposed to meet with the rest of the faculty to teach them the teacher section of the dance, while I gave all the students arm movements and transitions to do in the background. Then we'd clean, clean, clean & everything would be great. That's not what happened.
We ran the entire finale once. The director walked in at the very end, where it's the messiest and flipped out. 'Why aren't their spots written down?' Really? These are mostly high school students and you want me to waste time during the one rehearsal a month to write down where they stand at every point of this eight minute dance. You've got to be kidding me! Especially, when at every rehearsal one of the 50+ dancers drop out. Why do I sign up for this? This lady has lost her mind. She ended up wasting the rest of the rehearsal writing down spots and moving them based on height. Then she'd move them back because the color of their costume is different than the person next to them. Ughhh! Leave me alone and let me do my job! I've thought of this already & it just doesn't work. I hate you!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Musical Theater
I have a student who is legally blind. She wears really thick glasses and can see, but not well. As you can imagine, she's not the most graceful dancer and is kind of awkward in general. But, she's a good kid and never lets her handicap get in the way. I don't think the other girls in her class know that she's legally blind.
The week after April vacation, she came into class and told me that she choreographed a dance over the break. She wanted to show the class. I feel so horrible for saying this, but it was awful! I didn't recognize a single dance step. I don't know what she was doing besides twirling around with her eyes closed. And the song was about six minutes long! But, I applauded her for her efforts and thanked her for sharing.
This past Tuesday, she brought in another CD. She made up another dance. This one wasn't as bad. It wasn't good, but I at least recognized a few of the attempted movements. I think it's safe to say this kid is never turning pro, but at least she loves dance, right?
Yesterday, I saw this kid in a new light. I took my class into the other studio to watch a little bit of the musical theater class production. Part of their show features songs from Annie. This kid can sing. I completely enjoyed her performance and wanted to see more. I was impressed. I could also tell from my students' reactions that they were surprised as well. Lesson learned by all.
The week after April vacation, she came into class and told me that she choreographed a dance over the break. She wanted to show the class. I feel so horrible for saying this, but it was awful! I didn't recognize a single dance step. I don't know what she was doing besides twirling around with her eyes closed. And the song was about six minutes long! But, I applauded her for her efforts and thanked her for sharing.
This past Tuesday, she brought in another CD. She made up another dance. This one wasn't as bad. It wasn't good, but I at least recognized a few of the attempted movements. I think it's safe to say this kid is never turning pro, but at least she loves dance, right?
Yesterday, I saw this kid in a new light. I took my class into the other studio to watch a little bit of the musical theater class production. Part of their show features songs from Annie. This kid can sing. I completely enjoyed her performance and wanted to see more. I was impressed. I could also tell from my students' reactions that they were surprised as well. Lesson learned by all.
Frustration
I have a student (we'll call her Kerri) who attends a vocational high school. They have this competition where they test their skills against other schools. The winner of the state competition goes on to nationals in Kansas City. Kerri decided to run for an elected position in KC and won. Apparently, this is a big deal and looks great on college applications.
Turns out, the national skill competition is the same week as the recital. This would mean that she would miss all the rehearsals on stage. There is one recital on Friday night and another Saturday afternoon at 1pm. Her flight back home comes in at noon.
About a month ago, when Kerri found out that she won the elected position, she was trying to fly home on a Friday night so she'd be able to make at least one of the recitals. Turns out, one of the chaperones also wanted to come home early. Perfect.
Yesterday, Kerri tells me that the chaperone changed her mind so she would no longer be able to make the early flight. She's back on the flight that gets in at noon. By the time she gets to the stage, she's going to miss most of the show. Who knows when she'll get there?
So now, I have to change all the dances that she's in so that there are no empty spots. Arrgh! With only three weeks until the show.
Turns out, the national skill competition is the same week as the recital. This would mean that she would miss all the rehearsals on stage. There is one recital on Friday night and another Saturday afternoon at 1pm. Her flight back home comes in at noon.
About a month ago, when Kerri found out that she won the elected position, she was trying to fly home on a Friday night so she'd be able to make at least one of the recitals. Turns out, one of the chaperones also wanted to come home early. Perfect.
Yesterday, Kerri tells me that the chaperone changed her mind so she would no longer be able to make the early flight. She's back on the flight that gets in at noon. By the time she gets to the stage, she's going to miss most of the show. Who knows when she'll get there?
So now, I have to change all the dances that she's in so that there are no empty spots. Arrgh! With only three weeks until the show.
Friday, May 21, 2010
I hate stubborn teenagers
In the routine for the 'advanced' jazz class, 6 of them partner up (into 3 groups) and one of the partners flips the other partner around (like a backflip, only sideways). 2 out of the 3 groups have the move down perfectly. With the 3rd group, it seems like one of them is always absent. They alternate being out. I think this group has practiced this flip maybe two classes out of the whole year (I'm telling you, they're never in class).
Yesterday, the entire class was there. MIRACLE!!! I can count on one hand how many times all year that the entire class was there at the same time. I have two girls that are graduating from high school in that class. The rest of them are juniors, plus a couple younger ones.
One of the girls in the above mentioned 3rd group, is a senior. She told me in the beginning of class that this would be her last class. Next week is her prom. The following week is her boyfriend's prom. The week after that is her graduation. Then it's recital week. Super. The most clueless kid in the class will remain clueless. Then all the other students start chiming in. 'I'm going to miss next week for prom too.' 'My brother is graduating so I won't be here that week either.'
Back to the original flipping problem. I told group 3 to practice that move since they weren't going to be in class anymore. This was their last chance to practice the trick. The girl that does the flipping (we'll call her Susie), informs me that she's not able to pick her partner up to flip her. She's making all these excuses that don't make any sense whatsoever. I ask one of the other groups to go help them. This move is not difficult at all, but it looks impressive. Susie flips her partner over once. It's messy. I give a correction. I assume they'll continue to practice the flip while I direct my attention to the rest of the class who don't flip.
When I look over again, they're standing around talking. I ask them to show me their progress. Susie says 'Last time I did this I threw out my back. I can't do it.' Really? You're seventeen. I tell her some things to do so that she won't hurt her back and turn my attention again to the rest of the class. I look over again. They're standing there with their arms crossed. Susie says 'I'm not going to hurt my back again. I'm not doing it.' I told her she's going to look silly when her group is just standing there while the other groups are flipping around. She said she'd rather look silly. I was so mad. I said 'Fine. Look silly.' Her partner was angry. I could see it in her face. That was it. I let them look dumb.
Yesterday, the entire class was there. MIRACLE!!! I can count on one hand how many times all year that the entire class was there at the same time. I have two girls that are graduating from high school in that class. The rest of them are juniors, plus a couple younger ones.
One of the girls in the above mentioned 3rd group, is a senior. She told me in the beginning of class that this would be her last class. Next week is her prom. The following week is her boyfriend's prom. The week after that is her graduation. Then it's recital week. Super. The most clueless kid in the class will remain clueless. Then all the other students start chiming in. 'I'm going to miss next week for prom too.' 'My brother is graduating so I won't be here that week either.'
Back to the original flipping problem. I told group 3 to practice that move since they weren't going to be in class anymore. This was their last chance to practice the trick. The girl that does the flipping (we'll call her Susie), informs me that she's not able to pick her partner up to flip her. She's making all these excuses that don't make any sense whatsoever. I ask one of the other groups to go help them. This move is not difficult at all, but it looks impressive. Susie flips her partner over once. It's messy. I give a correction. I assume they'll continue to practice the flip while I direct my attention to the rest of the class who don't flip.
When I look over again, they're standing around talking. I ask them to show me their progress. Susie says 'Last time I did this I threw out my back. I can't do it.' Really? You're seventeen. I tell her some things to do so that she won't hurt her back and turn my attention again to the rest of the class. I look over again. They're standing there with their arms crossed. Susie says 'I'm not going to hurt my back again. I'm not doing it.' I told her she's going to look silly when her group is just standing there while the other groups are flipping around. She said she'd rather look silly. I was so mad. I said 'Fine. Look silly.' Her partner was angry. I could see it in her face. That was it. I let them look dumb.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
I have mixed feelings on whether I want to be friends with students on facebook. On one hand, I find it helpful in communicating quickly with them if need be and keeping up with technology, etc. On the other hand, I really don't want all these kids knowing my personal life, and really it often becomes a hassle seeing things they post too. Their parents should really pay more attention to their children's activities (but that's a whole other can of worms). Okay, with that said, here are the events from yesterday.
From 5-7pm, I teach a middle school class. Most of them are in 8th grade. Some are freshmen. Some are a little younger. One of the 8th grade teachers in their academic school has her students make a scrapbook every year. Every year, I get a handful of students asking me to write them a letter for their scrapbook. Okay, no big deal. Yesterday, two of those eighth graders brought in their cameras so they could add pictures to their scrapbook too. Normally, I would have thought this was fine.
But, back in February, when the advanced class was trying on their costumes, someone took a picture of them posing and put it on facebook. Oh, the horror! I know! Well, the director saw the picture and decided there would be no more pictures posted online unless the teacher/director posts them. She said she's trying to avoid a potential problem.
I informed the picture takers of this rule. After they were done with my class, they went into ballet and complained to Miss Plie' about the rule. She told them it was their right to post pictures on their facebook. I informed Miss Plie' of the director's decision. She said it was stupid and told them to go ahead a post the pictures. Argh. I know this is going to come back to me and I'm going to have to hear it.
From 5-7pm, I teach a middle school class. Most of them are in 8th grade. Some are freshmen. Some are a little younger. One of the 8th grade teachers in their academic school has her students make a scrapbook every year. Every year, I get a handful of students asking me to write them a letter for their scrapbook. Okay, no big deal. Yesterday, two of those eighth graders brought in their cameras so they could add pictures to their scrapbook too. Normally, I would have thought this was fine.
But, back in February, when the advanced class was trying on their costumes, someone took a picture of them posing and put it on facebook. Oh, the horror! I know! Well, the director saw the picture and decided there would be no more pictures posted online unless the teacher/director posts them. She said she's trying to avoid a potential problem.
I informed the picture takers of this rule. After they were done with my class, they went into ballet and complained to Miss Plie' about the rule. She told them it was their right to post pictures on their facebook. I informed Miss Plie' of the director's decision. She said it was stupid and told them to go ahead a post the pictures. Argh. I know this is going to come back to me and I'm going to have to hear it.
Lazy Kids
You know that saying 'When the cat's away, the mice will play'?
Yesterday, the director didn't come in to the studio. From 7-9pm, I teach the younger high school class. This class is supposed to be the second most advanced class. Ha. As soon as they realized the boss lady wasn't coming in, they immediately turned into sloths. It was like pulling teeth to get them to focus and do anything. We did finally finish their dance, but they were being so obnoxious and whiny about it. 'I don't like how the music ends.' 'This is too fast.' 'She's bumping into me.' 'Can't we do this instead?' Really? Ugh.
Yesterday, the director didn't come in to the studio. From 7-9pm, I teach the younger high school class. This class is supposed to be the second most advanced class. Ha. As soon as they realized the boss lady wasn't coming in, they immediately turned into sloths. It was like pulling teeth to get them to focus and do anything. We did finally finish their dance, but they were being so obnoxious and whiny about it. 'I don't like how the music ends.' 'This is too fast.' 'She's bumping into me.' 'Can't we do this instead?' Really? Ugh.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Follow Up to last post
I got an email back from Miss Plie'. She would like us both to sit down with the student to talk with her. She's also noticed a big change in the girl's attitude.
Then I got an email from the director. She thinks it's best if we do nothing. She said to continue keeping an eye on the kid. I have a gut feeling this is the wrong decision.
Then I got an email from the director. She thinks it's best if we do nothing. She said to continue keeping an eye on the kid. I have a gut feeling this is the wrong decision.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Laxatives?
Unfortunately, not every conversation with a student is a funny one.
About a month ago, the ballet teacher (we'll call her Miss Plie') at the dance school approached me in the staff room to ask my opinion regarding a particular student. The student is a sophomore in high school. Miss Plie' had suspicions that the student is bulimic. She said the student asked to go to the bathroom, was there a while & came back complaining about stomach issues.
After her ballet class, the student comes into my room for jazz & tap. While I'm taking attendance, the students in the class usually tell me something about what's going on in their lives.
I've taught this kid for a few years now & I've heard from her a few times that she's doing the newest fad diet with her mother. This kid is not overweight. She's short (less than 5 feet) & has very muscular legs. I figured if she's dieting under her mother's supervision, then I'm not going to worry too much.
Yesterday, she was outside the classroom & she knocked over her drink. One of the other students asked what she was drinking & she replied tea. Then she said to me, 'when I was making this drink, I accidentally grabbed the tea with a laxative in it'. I asked her to drink water instead. We have a water cooler in the lobby. She said she likes the taste of the tea better than water.
I just sent an email to the director & the ballet teacher regarding my concerns for this student. I'll keep you posted.
About a month ago, the ballet teacher (we'll call her Miss Plie') at the dance school approached me in the staff room to ask my opinion regarding a particular student. The student is a sophomore in high school. Miss Plie' had suspicions that the student is bulimic. She said the student asked to go to the bathroom, was there a while & came back complaining about stomach issues.
After her ballet class, the student comes into my room for jazz & tap. While I'm taking attendance, the students in the class usually tell me something about what's going on in their lives.
I've taught this kid for a few years now & I've heard from her a few times that she's doing the newest fad diet with her mother. This kid is not overweight. She's short (less than 5 feet) & has very muscular legs. I figured if she's dieting under her mother's supervision, then I'm not going to worry too much.
Yesterday, she was outside the classroom & she knocked over her drink. One of the other students asked what she was drinking & she replied tea. Then she said to me, 'when I was making this drink, I accidentally grabbed the tea with a laxative in it'. I asked her to drink water instead. We have a water cooler in the lobby. She said she likes the taste of the tea better than water.
I just sent an email to the director & the ballet teacher regarding my concerns for this student. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Cookies
Last week, a student came into class w/ a little yellow card she made herself. It said something like 'In honor of teacher appreciation week, I wanted to thank you for being a great teacher.' Aww, that was nice. Then she said 'I made it yellow because that's your favorite color'. Double awww. Jokingly, I read it out loud to the rest of the class, hoping they'd get the hint & do the same. Instead, one kid said 'You should have seen what she did for her teachers at school. One of them got a plant & the others got cookies'.
Her mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies. They are soooo thick, chewy & delicous. I look forward to the recital every year just for these cookies. So then, the poor girl got embarassed. She turned bright red & started blubbering about how her mom only let her make 2 dozen & she brought them for her teachers at school. She promised to make me some next week. I told her the card was great, thanked her again for it & continued with the class.
Well, yesterday, the cookie kid comes in with a nicely wrapped package of cookies for me, tied with a yellow bow.
Her mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies. They are soooo thick, chewy & delicous. I look forward to the recital every year just for these cookies. So then, the poor girl got embarassed. She turned bright red & started blubbering about how her mom only let her make 2 dozen & she brought them for her teachers at school. She promised to make me some next week. I told her the card was great, thanked her again for it & continued with the class.
Well, yesterday, the cookie kid comes in with a nicely wrapped package of cookies for me, tied with a yellow bow.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Conversations with my Students
If only I started this years ago, I'd have enough material for a novel by now.
Yesterday, I was teaching jazz to a group of junior and senior high school students. While they were practicing their dance, I yelled out a correction to 'Lift your sternum'. One girl stopped dancing, stared at me for a while, then bursts out laughing. She came over to me and whispered, 'I thought you said scrotum'.
Ironically, on Tuesday, I had an interesting conversation with the above mentioned student's younger sister. She's in 8th grade. Knowing that middle school students are often uncomfortable with their bodies, I chose to refer to boobs as 'the girls'. This usually makes the class laugh & they don't feel as awkward about whatever it is that I'm talking about. So anyway, I was trying to describe how I wanted the class to place their arm. I wanted the right arm to be bent at the elbow & reaching across the body with the wrist flexed. To sum that direction up quickly, I said 'frame the girls'. I didn't invent the phrase. Teachers have said the same thing to me a million times. I get it. It works. So, this student asks me 'Why do you call them girls? Why don't you just call them breasts or ta-tas or something? What if they want to be boys?' My response, 'Why would they be boys?'. She said 'I don't know'. I walked away.
Yesterday, I was teaching jazz to a group of junior and senior high school students. While they were practicing their dance, I yelled out a correction to 'Lift your sternum'. One girl stopped dancing, stared at me for a while, then bursts out laughing. She came over to me and whispered, 'I thought you said scrotum'.
Ironically, on Tuesday, I had an interesting conversation with the above mentioned student's younger sister. She's in 8th grade. Knowing that middle school students are often uncomfortable with their bodies, I chose to refer to boobs as 'the girls'. This usually makes the class laugh & they don't feel as awkward about whatever it is that I'm talking about. So anyway, I was trying to describe how I wanted the class to place their arm. I wanted the right arm to be bent at the elbow & reaching across the body with the wrist flexed. To sum that direction up quickly, I said 'frame the girls'. I didn't invent the phrase. Teachers have said the same thing to me a million times. I get it. It works. So, this student asks me 'Why do you call them girls? Why don't you just call them breasts or ta-tas or something? What if they want to be boys?' My response, 'Why would they be boys?'. She said 'I don't know'. I walked away.
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