Best Dance Advice you have gotten?

On a local discussion group, the topic of "Best Advice and Lessons" came up--people started sharing some of the key lessons they have learned from their teachers over the years.

There are so many pieces of advice that I have received over the years, but I think the most important lessons weren't put into words, but put into practice and learned by example.


Like how on the technique side, some of my teachers and fellow dancers really taught me the value of "white space" in dance--that not everything needs to be go-go-go-go! That by having stillness offset the movement, we make the movement more dynamic. "Pregnant pauses" can be just as powerful as your biggest move. Aziza of Montreal is one great example of this to me (then again, she could just stand there and probably mesmerize an audience for about 15 minutes straight :)

Teaching vs. Simon Says

One of my newer students, the lovely Kelly, gave me some wonderful food-for-thought today via her blog. From her very first class, I could see Kelly was a thoughtful student--she asked excellent questions, and gave good feedback verbally and physically when spoken to. So it didn't surprise me when she later told me she was herself a teacher; she teaches yoga. While I have heard nightmare stories from other teacher's experiences, I have found that some of my best students are teachers. They know what it takes to teach, and what is expected in a student. They are respectful and attentive, and my favorites: punctual and ask perceptive questions!

I have been reading some of her older entries this morning, particularly her older entries talking about her time as an officer in the Air Force. I came across her post about the first time she taught yoga, and I thought you might enjoy her insightful reflections on what it means to be a teacher. Enjoy!

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for you.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for sisterhood. I am often reminded what a rare and precious gift I have in my dance family. Each is truly a unique and amazing woman, with enviable beauty and strength, inside and out. I love to dance with them, but I also love to simply be among them, talk, and laugh. They are a blessing to my heart and I love them each so dearly.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for computers. My computer is not only a tool for communication and creativity, it is a conduit to information and greater understanding of the world outside my front door, and far beyond my front door, via the internet. I love learning new things I can do with it, especially when it involves Photoshop, Illustrator, iMovie/Final Cut, or HTML/CSS/PHP; with which any small project can keep me entertained literally for days with just the sheer volume of amazing and exciting new things to absorb and experiment with.

(Hey, did you see my Programs for Dancers post earlier this year? If you are thankful for your computer, too, maybe you'd be interested in seeing some of my highlights! :)