Dance Semester #4!

My 4th session of dance classes began yesterday. That means my 4th new round of students this year...and that's the thing I dislike about my current studio. I hate that every month and a half, I get a whole new set of girls in every single class. There's no building on steps throughout the year; teaching here has a very Groundhog Day feel to it. I don't feel like I have a personal connection with any of my students - something I have always cultivated. I just don't have much emotion over these classes; they're all "fine". I *do* think it's a cool option for young dancers just starting out to get to try lots of different classes w/o being trapped in one they aren't enjoying for a full year; but there's also no incentive for them to make a commitment & stick with a certain class to see how they can learn & grow. I don't feel like they are getting a true picture of what dance class really is. On the flipside, there is more stability with the older classes, (the youngest ones, which I teach, are the ones that have the major turnover; I can't teach the older ones, b/c Will & Annelise are out of school by then.)

For the very first time, though, I have one class (creative movement, ages 3-5) who all signed up for back-to-back sessions, so I already know them and can actually build on what we did the last 6 weeks! I can't even explain the relief I felt when I read the roster.

I am very much looking forward to going back to a tradtional studio one day whenever, wherever we move next. I miss the growth & connections working with the same students all year, and I miss recital choreography.