Pointes and Perspective #34 Where The Shoe Fits

Where The Shoe Fits

Every January, I create an annual update on my projects over the past year, attach my updated resume, and send it to the Ballet schools and companies in a radius of where I live. I am always excited to connect with new dancers and schools, seek teaching opportunities, and book guest engagements. I never count out a new school or company where I can be of service. I am always looking to expand and grow personally through collaborations with other dancers and schools, and I leave spaces free in my schedule for these opportunities.

Yesterday I received a response from a school that, in all honesty, stung a bit! The director said I was a lovely dancer but that my teaching style was not a fit. She informed me that they only hire those who were principal dancers with leading Ballet companies. The director went on to explain that watching me teach proved that my methods are not like theirs, as their students have exceptional turnout, are light on their feet, and can execute fast chainés across a large studio without getting dizzy.

After reading it, there was an initial “ouch!” I sat in my car after teaching my consistently fulfilling University Ballet class, unexpectedly deflated, and searched for a self pep talk. It was then that I had the illuminating realization that this woman actually did me a huge favor! In explaining why I wasn’t a fit for her company, she actually was informing me why her school was not a fit for me!

I was then listening to the JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast on my drive, and Dr. Chelsea Pierotti, sport psychology consultant, was speaking about alignment. She encouraged us to make sure that we are being true to our values and what fits us, explaining, ”That may be great for that person. But if it doesn't fit me, I wouldn’t be staying in alignment.”

This past year, I did a lot of discovery work on who I was as an educator, what my values were, defining my mission, and my brand! Thankfully, this school did not see me as a fit, because likewise, I realized that they don’t seem to be in alignment with my brand.

It was flattering to have my dancing complimented, although strange to hear because I consider myself a teacher. I did have a career as a dancer, but not as a “principal with a leading company.” We all know that having a career as a principal dancer does not guarantee that you will be a great teacher. Yes, some do become successful teachers, but many don’t. Often time, when “dancers” become teachers, they are those who merely “give” class, versus “teaching” class. I am a teacher, and I “teach”. I break down, dissect, research, build, and inspire. I enjoy working at schools where there are excellent, like minded educators, some with resumes including principal positions with top companies, some with extensive University study, and some like myself with endless years of life experience in the field. I like teaching at a school where, although our backgrounds differ, we are all on the same page, helping students to grow, thrive, and understand the art. That is the school I am a fit for. Not alongside principal dancers from renowned companies who may be simply “giving” classes. And not under a director who doesn’t consider the worth of alternate paths to becoming a teacher. This school, and others like it, create beautiful dancers, yes. But is it a place where I will thrive? Does it align with Me?

My reels, website, curriculums, and posts feature dancers of all levels, abilities, ages, and body types. I am a big promoter of Dance for Everyone. I teach those who are returning to dance, and may be a bit rusty. I teach those who don’t have the stereotypical tools, 180 degree turnout, or high insteps. I myself was a dancer who did not have exceptional turnout or feet. But I had a love for Ballet. And I found my niche and my “spice” as I like to call it - which was fluid port de bras and playful musicality - and I had a career in dance!  I also teach high level dancers who receive contracts with professional companies. I am not a teacher who only posts my most accomplished students. I feature ALL of my students and celebrate their process and learnings. I am surely not a fit for a school where my teaching abilities might be measured by the technical level of students I post. I wish to work for those who are observing and contemplating me and my teachings, not my student’s current abilities. Yes, I could teach at a school where only exceptional turnout, and flawless chainés are the norm. And I would have much to offer them. But I get as much, if not more, of a reward from teaching those who may not have those tools or abilities. (Yet!)

Understanding your values and mission as an educator, and how to cultivate it is so important in choosing a workplace where you are satisfied, perform your best, and have a strong team and community. You want to be where your values, beliefs, brand and personality align with those of your director and the company culture. You want to be where you thrive. You want to be where you are in alignment. You want to be…

Where the Shoe Fits!