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The Lesson Within the Lessons

Type:

Teacher article

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None

As dance teachers we are clear on our role to teach our students proper technique and performance skills. However, as generations are continually changing, so is the world in which they are growing up in. Perhaps a traditionalist to some extent, it is my belief that certain etiquette, good habits and respect for the dance studio is becoming a lost value within some training programs. Furthermore, while the dance studio is many times a student’s 'home-away-from-home,' we also become example-setters; instilling rules, discipline and boundaries of our own for the welfare of our students. While it is a fine line to be cognizant of what some parents could misconstrue as overstepping their parental rights, it is always important to reassure them and be clear that the studio and teachers’ mission is undoubtedly in the best interest of their children and studio community. In essence, we are helping to not only train the dancer but also produce polite, humble and respectful professionals. In my experience, parents most often come to appreciate this reinforcement of lesson implementation; which they are already trying to instill at home. This consistency and follow-through are always recipes for success.

Author

Jess Stafford

Jess Stafford

Jess Stafford is a native New Yorker and has her MA in Dance Education from NYU. She also earned a BFA in dance performance from UMASS Amherst. Following a wonderful professional dance career, Jess now teaches and choreographs nationally and internationally, bringing her love of movement and creating to all her classes. Jess’ favorite performance credits include: The National Tour of Guys & Dolls, The European Tour of Grease, West Side Story, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Salute to Dudley Moore at Carnegie Hall, guest-dancer with the World Famous Pontani Sisters and IMPULSE Modern Dance Company. She has been on faculty for the Rutgers University Dance Department, Perichild Program at Peridance and was Company Director at Steffi Nossen School of Dance. Jess has also taught creative movement therapy in Uganda and was a featured instructor at the Queen's Kampala Dance School. She has conducted workshops for the cast of LA REVE at the Wynn, Las Vegas and has been on faculty at the IDS International Dance Teacher Conference at The Royal Ballet, MPower Summer Dance Intensives and annual Dance Teacher Web Conferences. Jess has also served as Master Teacher & adjudicator for various dance competitions. She is the Chief Editor and contributing writer for the DanceTeacherWeb.com blog and is also an original in-house Dance Teacher Web faculty member. Jess’ latest venture has called her to become a Board Certified Integrative Health Coach, 500HR RYT and RPYT. She is also the creator of her private practice, Rebel Wellness. Her latest passion project includes creating the “BE WELL” Yoga + Wellness School and Dance Studio Program, which fosters mental health & emotional wellness for today’s youth. www.rebelwellnessny.com

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