More than just dance...
When we see the students perform, we are always amazed at the skills they have learned and how far they have come; however, we often do not get to see the other learning that takes place – the learning that impacts the students’ lives beyond the stage.
I have had the opportunity over the years to read many thank you cards that students offer to their teachers. I am always interested in the cards that mention aspects of teaching that go beyond skills and technique. In addition to thanking their teachers for teaching these skills, students often mention and thank their instructors for “the after class chats” and “life lessons” and “being more than just a teacher”. You see, education does not only occur within the four walls of a classroom; students learn more life skills through meaningful conversations, extra-curricular activities, and challenging events. Teaching, learning, and education all are built on the foundation of these important relationships.
Although many teachers do a tremendous job teaching skills to their students, what separates a good teacher from a great teacher is the relationship that one has with his/her students. It is the after class chats, the unwavering belief in the students, and the endless teachable moments that help to form a critical bond; one that not only results in students working consistently hard in class, but also a trust and a belief that the choices the teacher makes are what is best for the student.
Larry Cuban, an educational philosopher, wrote, “HOW you teach becomes WHAT you teach”. I cannot help but think how this statement relates to the student-teacher relationships at Kick It Up A Notch. It is not necessarily only the skills and techniques that are taught, it is also things like respect, trust, patience, support, and care; these characteristics are difficult to teach. It is important that it is modeled and, with this, the WAY in which the teacher educates and leads can often become more important that WHAT is being taught.
Through the years I have always been so delighted to see that students have understood the power of positive relationships and the impact that this can have on the student. Effective learning can only take place when there is a relationship based on trust and care. To see the sadness in the faces of students following their last class of the year confirmed the important bond between the students and teachers at Kick It Up A Notch Academy of Dance. It is through these relationships and the extra moments that take place in and out of dance class that make students realize that a quality teacher is about more than just dance.
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