Lessons from little dancers

For five and a half hours over a three-day period every week, a leotard, skirt, pink tights and soft leather ballet slippers or hard pointe shoes are my uniform as I teach ballet classes to 40 sometimes boisterous, but mostly well-behaved toddlers, children, pre-teens and teenagers.

A former instructor once told me I would come to appreciate honesty and openness from my students, especially the youngest ones.

Over the past two months of teaching, her statement has proven to be correct.

Teaching an art form whose hallmarks are extreme flexibility, hyperextended limbs and banana-shaped arches, things that are completely unnatural to the human body, is bound to produce some interesting memories, not to mention leaving the Hokey Pokey and Chicken Dance stuck in your head for days.

Although professionals make it look effortless, students working towards more advanced execution of ballet find it takes a lot of thought - turned out hips, knees and feet, proper body alignment, pointed toes, shoulders down, head and eyes up and, of course, engagement of appropriate muscle groups. But it also provides some good life lessons, too.

* "What's that noise?" - There is something always more interesting to listen to or look at, be it an older student's tap shoes or a piece of art on the wall, especially when it comes to stretching in the center at the beginning of class. Such is life.

* "I want to be the leader!" - Try to think of others first before asking to go first or be the leader.

* "That's too hard" - is a common statement when it comes to trying something new, but often disappears after a little bit of encouragement.

* "Am I doing it right?" - For a teacher, those words produce "warm fuzzies" as a student tries her best to accomplish something difficult. Try to do something new that might scare you at first.

* "Will you be my partner/sit next to me?" - While it is easy to choose the same people to spend your time with, make sure to also think of those who may not be as popular or have as many friends.

* "Can I go to the bathroom/get a Kleenex/get some water?" - It's okay to take a short break every now and then.

* "STICKERS!" - This is the younger students' favorite part of class, especially when sparkly heart, fuzzy penguin or favorite Disney character stickers are available. Remember to treat yourself!

* Ashley Miller is a member of the Pilot news staff. Reach the columnist at amiller@stormlakepilottribune.com