Ballet… Ballet… Ballet…
Putting it simply: Ballet is basic. Ballet should be the first step any student takes in a dance studio. Ballet must be the foundation of any dance aficionado’s career. Ballet is not just for ballerinas or danseurs, it is a must for all successful students and professional dancers regardless of age or experience.
The basic studio curriculum that we have always offered to first time students ages three through seven contains ballet. It is part of their combo class and they are expected to participate in the entire class without exceptions. Because the whole class, including the ballet phase, is taught with a positive and fun approach, the students accept ballet as a vital part of their dance class.
As months become years, many of the young dancers continue to love ballet, but unfortunately for one reason or another some of them start to merely tolerate it. These students start to complain that ballet is too slow, too much work and not fun. As teachers, that is our signal to turn up the motivation and literally pump up the volume. We find ways to make ballet fun again for everyone. It is time to tap into ones creativity.
If you experience some of the same problems, I have some ideas for you to use in class: play games; show ballet videos; use hand props; have the students wear tutus and crowns; present a class demonstration with an older student working on pointe; reward the students for their good work with coloring pages of ballet themed pictures; create and display a star reward chart for ballet know how and give out awards each week; change the class music you are using from classic to contemporary; connect ballet to now, not always then; and most of all continue to think and act positively and your students will react positively to your actions.
Over the past 40 years, with the exception of young beginning dancers, the majority of other students that I have registered have not been real fans of ballet. But, as a teacher and educator, I know it is part of my job description to educate and make believers out of them. It has been a constant challenge for all these years, but one that I have always been up for because I am a believer in the end results.
As dance teachers, you and I both know the importance of taking ballet. It is the foundation that a successful dance future is built on. But we also know that the majority of dance students do not want nor aspire towards a dance career. So what to do?
My dilemma has always been one of forcing (because I know it is right and the best for them) versus encouraging (because I want them to develop a love of the art). Through experience I have learned that sometimes too much of a good thing is actually not good. In the long run, whether agreeable to others or not, I have opted for encouraging and educating students as compared to forcing and losing possible future dancers. By taking that route, I hope in due time, they will come to realize how valuable ballet is for them as a dancer, novice or professional.
My overall goal is to keep students of all ages interested and involved in dance. I do not want youngsters, new or already involved in the world of dance, to turn off dance because of stringent requirements. I love and appreciate ballet and know it is absolutely necessary to succeed as a dancer. But, more than that, I love dance! I want everyone to appreciate the art of dance in all forms and I will take any route, with or without ballet, to make this happen. I would love to know what route you take to keep the love of ballet and dance alive and flourishing at your studio. Until next time, let’s chat about your thoughts at daniebeck@danceruniverse.com.