Actually it is coming down the dancing path of some hard knocks and frustrations and brain overload, but the end result always makes the trip worth it.
I couldn't be more excited on various different levels for the start of the Level 3 classes in my Sister Studioship...I just am now starting to feel like the teacher I know I am. I have felt challenged all along the way in myself with teaching this dance and trying to show the joy that comes from it but also the joy I personally get from it. Now, I am "feeling" like I am starting to truly see the results of it from people sharing the same joys. New challenges, new movements, new everything but coming from a more grounded dance form is making it fun for me and that good kind of challenge for me and hopefully positive growths for my students.
We are all synching up, but in a manner that is non-restrictive. Both in dancing in general with whomever you wish to dance, and dancing with ucanto.
I am a firm believer in having fun while we dance, but I want to have the best dancing we can have too. Not just dancing around the "Bonfire" feel all the time when we are supposed to be in performance mode. However, with that - I work hard to be inclusive of all levels of dancers in that performance. Beginners need that chance to shine too and the more seasoned get to stretch those wings a bit more.
I don't ever put anyone outside their actual level of skill, even if they think they aren't "worthy" yet. But I also am currently allowing students to stretch their capabilities if they so chose. It is made perfectly clear the venues we are performing at currently are relaxed, pressure free enviroments for the dance. But, when it comes time for more "finessed" performances, bigger audiences, more critical eyes that are paying for what they are getting, the expectation for that level of performance will to rise to the level. I am seeing that drive in my students to rise to that level...I couldn't be more pleased by that drive.
The first class in Level 3 got the students moving in ways they hadn't fully yet, but I started them with a "familiar" that might have presented itself to them in other dance classes, and they all took to it like ducks to water. But I did team a lesser known movement to learn too...so a taste test of each to get their feet wet in this water pond. ;)
So the first step down this path of creativity and more expression has been taken. I can't wait to see how the students take it down their own personal paths yet we all share in the creativity together with one another. The results may well be ..... to infinity and beyond.
Happy place. :)
