Dear New Student,
Congratulations to you. I know how hard it is to decide to
take a dance class, to put yourself out there in a way that you haven’t done
before, and to try something new. You’re doing a great job. I mean that. I know
that the movements may be uncomfortable or awkward, and that you’re looking
around the room surreptitiously eyeing everyone else, thinking that maybe you
don’t belong here because your moves aren’t as fluid or as sharp as the dancer
next to you. That’s OK. It’s alright to be uncomfortable. That’s why you’re
here, to learn something new, and the first time we do something new, it’s
rarely easy and almost always awkward. Everyone learns at their own pace and
you will learn how to do this if you stick with it and practice. I know.
I’ve been there.
I’m your teacher. I’m not here to teach you how to dance
like me or to get you to perform. I’m here to provide you with the tools to
dance like you. If performance is your goal, then I will support you and help
you along the way. I will guide you, and I will correct you, but ultimately,
whether or not you learn this dance is up to you. What you get out of this
dance is up to you. This dance is my joy and I hope you find joy in it as well,
but all of that – it’s up to you.
There may come a time when you choose not to dance with me
anymore, or just not to dance. I respect that, and I understand that life gets
in the way, that sometimes I’m not the right teacher for someone, and that
sometimes you will need to spread your wings and do your own thing. I’m OK with
that. I want to be here to support your dance. Remember that I’m a dance student
too. I’ve been there. If you have questions, you can ask me, and if you have
problems, you can talk to me; just not while we’re in class. Class time is for
dancing.
At the end of the day, I’m glad you’re here. I’m proud of
you for choosing to try something different and something new, and I’m proud of
you for working hard in class and doing your best. I’m humbled that you chose
me to be your instructor, and I promise to do my best to honor and respect the
trust that you’ve placed in me by continuing my own education, working hard to
plan my classes, and creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for you to learn
in.
Thank you for dancing with me. Love and shimmies,
Jaidra
