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What students need vs. what students want

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Teacher article

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None

The task of running a dance studio comes with all sorts of rewards year in and year out. However, anyone who got into this business thinking there wouldn't be some difficult decisions along the way probably woke up to an enlightening reality; especially when parents and students think they know best. With the inundation of reality shows devoted to dance, (some good and some not so good,) many young dancers have somehow come to the conclusion that this is all dance has to offer. This is what dance is. They want to emulate what they see on TV (even if they are not technically ready or it's age appropriate,) want to dance like, look like, be like and have choreography like 'those' dancers. In my opinion, as a competition adjudicator, this is why as of late, the majority of pieces you see at regionals all look the same after a while. It seems there are many studio directors and teachers that are not quite brave enough to break the mold to say, 'No, we're not going down that path and we are going to take a chance to set something artistically, creatively and vastly different for our students.' Believe it or not, that 'brave' inclination to break from the 'norm' IS going to be what puts your studio on the map and makes others remember your studio name. Being bold, being different, being refreshing is where it's at While it is however, a major success that dance exposure on TV has created an appreciation to what we have known all our lives, as studio directors, it starts with you to set the precedence for your students dance education.

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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