I will never forget my first tap class when I was 4 years old. After taking ballet the year before I decided I wanted to do something more fun, and with my new tap teacher Miss. Jessica it always was. She was always so enthusiastic and fun, and made me excited to go back every week. I adored Miss. Jessica and I wanted to be just like her when I was older. I would go home and practice all the new steps I had learned and sometimes would even pretend to teach my own class. It was then that I knew that I wanted to be an amazing dancer and dance teacher just like Miss. Jessica. As I got older I continued to work hard at dance and I volunteered as an assistant teacher. Finally for the past few years I have been working for my studio as a dance teacher. I love dance so much and getting to share my passion with young girls who look up to me is one of my favourite things I do every week. When I am teaching I remember that first class with Miss. Jessica and aim to be an amazing fun teacher and role model for the kids I am teaching just like her. Although I don't think I am going to continue being a dance teacher or dancer much longer, it has definitely shaped who I am. Because of my experience teaching dance, I now also teach swimming lessons too. Dance has also given me confidence and taught me so many other life lessons. My jobs teaching and dance are such a huge part of my life and I could not imagine my life without them. Jessica is still one of my dance teachers today and one of the nicest people I have ever met. She, my other dance teachers, and dance itself continue to shape who I am everyday.
You passion for dance is clearly evident in this post. While I never attended dance lessons, I have seen some dance shows put on by local studios. I am contemplating enrolling my daughters into dance lessons. I hesitate for one reason: the pressure that seems to be on appearance. For example, I have seen some photos of a friend's seven-year-old daughter, who is dancing competitively. I am blown away by the amount of makeup and outfits these young girls are wearing. Is this par for the course in dance or is it only like this if you move to a competitive level?
ReplyDeleteYou are right that appearance can be a major factor in dance. In the competitive level the make-up and extreme costumes are mandatory because even though you are mainly judged on your dancing and concept, there is a minor section for appearance which can be easy marks. You want to use the make-up to your advantage because due to the bright stage lights your face will get washed out so you want to highlight features like the eyes, lips and cheekbones to enhance your performance. In the non competitive level we recommend make-up for performances for the same reason but in the end it is up to the dancer and parents to choose. Also the costumes are not as extreme. You should sign your daughters up for dance and see if they like it!
ReplyDeleteSimilarly to you I've been with my riding coach ever since I started riding. Having such a close connection with my coach has helped me become who I am today and I feel as though the people around us play a great role in our lives. I'm just curious as to why you don't think you will continue to be a dancer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information, Amanda. I most likely will enrol my daughters to let them try it out. What age do kids start dance at?
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