As a dance teacher, creator and motivator to your class it is imperative that you stay fresh and inspired. The key to this is to know and understand what makes you tick!
Now that the Holidays are over and the New Year is in full swing, it's a great time to get yourself recharged, re-energized and realigned. I encourage you to take the test below. It will help you to understand more about yourself and what you need to keep your classes fresh and exciting. A word of caution here, self-examination can be challenging but my advice to you is be honest with yourself. The good news is that If something is going on you have the power to fix it!
This may seem simple enough but I can assure you that after teaching for over 35 years, it really does work. Take a moment to get a piece of paper and write down your answers. Try to come up with at least 5 answers to each one.
TEACHING:
What do you really love about teaching?
1._____________________________________________________
2._____________________________________________________
3._____________________________________________________
4._____________________________________________________
5._____________________________________________________
What do you not love about teaching?
1._____________________________________________________
2._____________________________________________________
3._____________________________________________________
4._____________________________________________________
5._____________________________________________________
CREATIVITY:
How do you get your creative juices flowing?
1._____________________________________________________
2._____________________________________________________
3._____________________________________________________
4._____________________________________________________
5._____________________________________________________
What goals do you have for the next 12 months?
1._____________________________________________________
2._____________________________________________________
3._____________________________________________________
4._____________________________________________________
5._____________________________________________________
What plans have you made to achieve those goals?
When do you plan to start?
Goals are important but the plans you make to achieve them are the key to getting what you want. There is no day like today. Make a plan, stick to the plan, make adjustments if necessary, and proceed!
LIFE:
What passions do you have outside of dance?
1._________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________
4._________________________________________________________
5._________________________________________________________
Is something going on that is troubling you and stealing your joy?
1._________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________
4._________________________________________________________
5._________________________________________________________
Once you have this information you should study it and decide how you are going to use this data to positively impact your life. Knowing and understanding what is important to you will help you keep the fire burning and in a good place mentally. Also, keep in mind that it is not all about dance. Your life and how you balance all you do will be a BIG factor in the way you feel, think, act and produce as a teacher.
Don’t forget that you are the most important person in your success. Keeping yourself fit physically and mentally will keep burnout at bay!
Something to consider... Keep yourself current and inspired by going to dance teacher events and conferences. Connecting with your peers will help you understand, you are not alone! EVERYONE at some point is going to face something that could challenge their love of teaching and dance in general. ALWAYS remember that nothing should steal your joy. And if it does, retake the test above to find out why and then do everything in your power to fix it!
Here's to your success!
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