I am so excited for my first blog! One of the dance moms has a blog and she really inspired me to start one of my own. Talking with my best friend Bradlie everyday we always say we need our own T.V. show, but a blog will just have to do for now.
My name is Meagan and I am a dance teacher. One of the main reasons why I wanted to start this blog was because I've heard one to many people say, "A dance teacher?! What a fun thing to do, its not really considered a job though right?" UMMM WHAT! Yes it is a very fun thing to do and I consider it to be way more than just a job. Growing up in the dance field and trying to make it in the dancing field is extremely hard. Auditions, competitions, conventions, MONEY, drama, costumes, time, and passion are just a handful of things that go into this "JOB". Someone could be the most phenomenal dancer, but that doesn't mean they could teach.
I've had numerous request of acquaintances asking me for a job in the dance studio that I am teaching at and although I love them as people, and love everyone who takes a chance on dance I knew they really didn't have a clue. I have had my fair share of hard working students, crazy dance moms, not-so hardworking students, the yelling, the crying the backstabbing, oh yes DANCE DRAMA!. But for every crazy parent and lazy kid, there is always 10 more dedicated students who want to learn with amazing support systems and that I am so thankful for. It is not easy being a dance teacher but man is it rewarding. I thrive on seeing my older students kick butt on and off stage from my toddlers itching to show me a pirouette in their new tu-tu. Being a teacher made me realize that everyone learns different. I teach ages 3 to 33, special needs, advanced, beginner, whoever wants to learn I will teach them.
I find it appalling that people think that anyone can do this. I've had students come in from other studio's explaining that they have danced for almost 7 years and still don't know the difference between a demi-plie and a grande. Now don't get me wrong I was never a prima-ballerina, being 4'11 its actually impossible, but I was blessed to be well trained in ALL areas of dance. If I wanted to be in that hip-hop dance you best believe my butt was in 3 ballet classes a week. I HATED ballet, I would skip class, get kicked out or find the lamest excuse to not take. It saddens me that I didn't realize until I was 16 that I was stupid for not being more serious about ballet.
It really makes my heart smile when my students tell me they want to be a dance teacher and I would never shut down there dreams instead I encourage them and say, "well you better never quit and get your butt to work, NOW." Teaching dance was something I never thought about, I always wanted to be on Broadway, not sing or act, just dance on Broadway. Singing was never my thang. Then I realized to audition you need to sing at least one song and remember a couple lines and that was NOT happening. My older students are always pushing me to audition with them and I think I have to now, what kind of teacher would I be?
I think what a lot of "non-dance teachers" fail to realize that it is the beginning of August and us dance teachers are inside on the computer downloading music that inspires us, making remixes and editing all of those hip hop songs, choreographing in our living rooms, drawing up costumes, registering new students, watching tapes from recital and competitions to see where we need work, teaching during the summer while working our other jobs to pay rent and bills, and maybe vacuum once a month. I don't just come to the studio tell your kid to point their toes and straighten their legs. I am doing everything in my power for them to find their passion for the art of dancing. I want nothing but the best for my dancers and I will always be here for them. I want them to have fun and cherish all the time with their dance friends and teachers.
I will forever live by the quote, " I don't want dancers who just simply want to dance, I want dancers who HAVE to dance." I only want to teach someone who wants to be taught, I only want to teach the dancers that want more than to learn how to do 7 turns. I want so much more for your kids than you think because I simply love not only the dancers I see in them but them as a human in general. The bond I share with my students is very special to me and this is not just a side job for me, THIS IS MY LIFE.
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