New Season-New Attitude (From Dancer Online) by Rhee Gold - July 23, 2005 The role of the dance educator has changed dramatically over the past couple of decades. Gone are the days of teaching children once a week and producing a dance recital at the end of the season. Today, dance training is an educational process that has a major influence on the young minds that dance through our schools for years to come. There are more than 3 million children taking dance lessons each week in the United States. In many cases, students remain enrolled for up to 10 years; often they train several days a week. It is fair to say that some students are at the studio more than they are at home. Often, their dance teachers will spend more time with them than their own parents do. The dance educator’s role is not only to teach the newest steps or the correct technique but to instill self-esteem, confidence, and life lessons that will influence the students to become the best they can be. You may have thought you were merely becoming a teacher, but instead you have become a mentor, surrogate parent, disciplinarian, part-time psychologist, and more. Only a small percentage of students will move on to professional performing or teaching careers. Therefore, effective teachers understand that their influence and the lessons learned at the dance school are the tools dancers will utilize to help make them successful adults, whether or not they continue to dance. Successful dance educators realize that teaching is as much about attitude as aptitude. Those with a positive attitude expect great things; they work hard and are likely to achieve their goals. It has been proven that positive-thinking people are happier, healthier, and more successful than those who carry a lot of negative baggage along on their life journeys. Positive thinkers usually accomplish their goals—and enjoy the journey more. They are less likely to give up or lose control when the pressure is on. Their upbeat attitude makes a favorable impression on their students and parents, as well as other teachers, and they gain respect as good team leaders. Often positive thinkers find themselves surrounded by others who possess the same attitude—or perhaps they foster it in others—which makes for a great adventure through life! Look for the best in everyone involved with your studio: your faculty or managers, students, and their parents. Find the things they do right, and comment on them; let them know how much you appreciate their participation. Come up with a positive way to express concerns, especially about sensitive issues. If you’re angry, hold your thoughts until you are prepared to express your feelings without being negative. Don’t underestimate your ability to handle problems, and try not to jump to conclusions. Often a little time gives us the perspective needed to make the right decision. Look at challenges as an educational process. Life is about learning from each and every situation; look hard enough and you will discover the reasons why everything happens the way it does. Have a great year --

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