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This thing we do....part 2
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This thing we do at Solefest in Raleigh, NC
In part 2 of "this thing we do" let's talk teach...
Frankly -
Teaching is an art
It is a skill that requires training and practice in both the subject and the actual acts of teaching and learning. It demands a level of humility, patience, diligence, and thoughtfulness to transfer knowledge to folk on a regular basis. Teachers have to be resourceful, life long students - consistently growing and honing their craft; constantly challenging and stretching their minds. They ask questions, they study, they observe, they dialogue, and they impart all they know, think, feel, believe, and have experienced on their journey, to their students.
The charge of a teacher was best summed up by my colleague and friend, Janee Moss:
"Teaching is an art: as a teacher you have to be able to see the whole and then be able to break down the whole into smaller managable pieces. Then you must have the ability to communicate that to others who think differently, understand and comprehend at different paces and most of all be flexible and patient to accommodate every student. If you can only see it from one angle and perspective then you are a presenter not necessarily a teacher."
H. Leon Raper had a good take on what it means to be a good teacher:
"To be a good dance teacher, you must also learn how to become a good detective - "Detective Dancer". Any good dance instructor that has received their Detective Dancer badge will tell you that they spend most of their time studying basic dance techniques - not advanced techniques as one would expect of a good dance teacher. All advanced dance techniques are dependent on a good understanding of basics. There is no school of dance that issues a Detective Dancer badge. You will know when you have earned it as an instructor. The day your major interests in dancing shift from learning and teaching advanced material to that of really studying the intricacies of dance basics such as the mechanics of movement and the science of dance, then you are on the right road to earning your Detective Dancer badge."
Teaching is an art. And it's not for everyone - again, the label alone does not a teacher make. Find yourself someone to teach you the dance and then practice. Even the best teachers are at a loss if the students don't committ to diligent application of the learnings. If all the work you do is at a 2 hour class once a week then the fault of your shortcomings is your own. Take responsibility for your own advancement and practice. There are some jewels that will assist you in your endeavors, making the journey that much more enjoyable....
This thing we do...part 3:
Practice partners and mentors
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