Primarily in my teaching I teach children. Any age from 4 up to 18 (though I'm sure the 18-year-olds would argue the 'children' category I've placed them in!), but I also teach an adult class.
When I first toyed with the idea of an adult class, my initial thoughts were - how different can it really be? Teaching is teaching....and ballet is ballet.
But how wrong I was!
One could argue, that any ballet pupils are there because they want to learn and they are committed, unlike school, to working hard at something they enjoy. That would be wonderful if it were true - unfortunately there is always a smattering of pupils who are there under duress from mothers who are determined their little girls will grow up to be the next Darcey Bussell, or teenagers who have promised their parents they won't give up despite other distractions taking a preference to their Grade 7 class. So us ballet teachers often face some of the same trials as school teachers with one or two disruptive students in a class of others who are very keen, willing to learn and dedicated. This, however, is one hurdle adult ballet classes don't throw at you.
The students in the adult class ALL want to be there. They've made a conscious decision to take up or continue ballet, they're spending their own money on classes (not their parents!) and come along because it's something they enjoy.
So that makes the adult classes preferable ....or does it? Children have a huge level of enthusiasm and energy. And also are still fairly pliable - it's easier to correct bad habits from children, easier to teach them in your own style and also easier to have that level of authority of them which you may feel you don't have with your peers or elders. Children also have wonderful imaginations - as them to come up with their own free ending or 8-count bar and they will do so with a lot more ease and confidence than the more self-conscious adults.
The honest truth is -I love teaching both groups, and they're both so very different, offering their own rewards and challenges. You just have to remember to swap your mind-set when you go from class to class, i.e. calling out 'good girls, well done!' in an adult class might be met with a certain number of frowns!
To most teachers, students and parents half term comes as a relief. That long 6 week wait until you get a little slither of a week to try and get as much done as possible and cram in as many lie-in's as you can. Then it's all over far too quickly - the things you promised you'd get done you still find you're rushing on that Sunday night before term starts afresh.
So what is my problem with half term? I sit there, and wait for it with baited breath like everyone else. Looking forward to a little bit of 'me' time, finding time to break in that awkward pair of pointe shoes, reading some good books and generally chilling out. But no. One day in.......and it's killing me.
I have a problem. I cannot survive a week without ballet and without dancing. It's too difficult, and on that half term Monday - the rest of the week actually looks pretty bleak when it's dance-free.
What can I do? Well, apart from dance around the house, the office, the shops and anywhere there's space I've set about a dance-incorporated half term......
Monday - Browse new Dance Direct Costumes catalogue and swoon at various tutus before researching every possible production of Cinderella and putting together ideas for the school show.
Write up my blog for Capezio and email it off.
Tuesday - Log onto Dance Direct website - order lots of pretty things from my teachers account, convincing myself a 5% discount more than justifies my spending. Order various bits of dowel, ribbon and rings from ebay ready to make props for Grade 1's.
Wednesday - Excellent, some actual teaching. Adult ballet is still on during half term so I have a blissful hour of dance! Set up new blog dedicated to dance....
Thursday - Some theatre action! The wonderful people at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton, have given me tickets to see their Night of Dirty Dancing show!
Friday - The other half is out for the evening - perfect time to practice the Choreography for Launch Dance Company's piece...push back the sofa's, music on loud - off I go!
Saturday - Ah, the weekend offers no reprieve for a dance fanatic. I really ought to learn some more of the RAD's new Grade 1-3 dances to teach the children something exciting and new for the new term!
Sunday - Ready to prepare for the term ahead. Sort out ballet bag, check iPod and CDs, check lesson plans.
One could argue, that any ballet pupils are there because they want to learn and they are committed, unlike school, to working hard at something they enjoy. That would be wonderful if it were true - unfortunately there is always a smattering of pupils who are there under duress from mothers who are determined their little girls will grow up to be the next Darcey Bussell, or teenagers who have promised their parents they won't give up despite other distractions taking a preference to their Grade 7 class. So us ballet teachers often face some of the same trials as school teachers with one or two disruptive students in a class of others who are very keen, willing to learn and dedicated. This, however, is one hurdle adult ballet classes don't throw at you.
