Waking up after not enough sleep, I start my day by sprinting through my to-do list. By the time I leave the house with a hot cup of coffee, purse, water bottle, cashews, and my dance bag, after kissing my husband bye and hugging my cat, I barely make it to class on time. Part of me wishes I slept earlier or woke up earlier today. Thoughts race through my head about work and tasks that still need to be tended to. Then I enter a room full of cheerful hugs and smiles from students awaiting my arrival ....
Speakers ready, iPod docked, students in position, 5-6-7-8. Dance class begins. Music in my ears, soul and body. Lovely faces smiling back at me anticipating my next move. Children proudly showcasing the dance moves they practiced from last week. My mind is hushed. I am in ultimate peace! Nothing else matters but making each second I have with my students the best possible.
Smiling is my #1 rule. If I leave my student with nothing else, I want them to feel happy from class. Positive reinforcement - my next initiative. No one will leave feeling disappointed with themselves. Their hard work will be acknowledged and and they will be reminded that they can continue to do better to create the BEST VERSION of themselves.
Speakers ready, iPod docked, students in position, 5-6-7-8. Dance class begins. Music in my ears, soul and body. Lovely faces smiling back at me anticipating my next move. Children proudly showcasing the dance moves they practiced from last week. My mind is hushed. I am in ultimate peace! Nothing else matters but making each second I have with my students the best possible.Smiling is my #1 rule. If I leave my student with nothing else, I want them to feel happy from class. Positive reinforcement - my next initiative. No one will leave feeling disappointed with themselves. Their hard work will be acknowledged and and they will be reminded that they can continue to do better to create the BEST VERSION of themselves.
When teaching channe turns, I think constantly how can I help them do this even better. Why are they unable to spot their turns and keep their focus on one object so they don't get dizzy? Should I tell them to imagine they are flying and there is only one star in the big sky, and they can't lose that star while they are turning?
Children are dancing, smiling, getting tired... time to record so they can watch from home with their families and practice and perfect. iPod player and iPod goes back in my bag. Hugs goodbye. Dance class is over!
I have never felt more energized, fulfilled and at peace - all at the same time. This is my utopia, my yoga, my temple, my meditation. Where all the nonsense of the world vanishes, all the thoughts that are not in my control disappear. Music, dance, teaching and learning - that is how I hope to continue to dance through the rest of my life.
