“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” -William A. Ward

Indeed! I loved this quote when I read it and I think it is so true. (Although I am not sure about the good vs. superior teacher qualities…think they might be in reverse for dance…)

If you can inspire your students, you are doing something special. But what can you actually do to get this from your heart to theirs?

I think a lot of it has to do with passion and intent. The bored, burnt-out teacher can only manage to tell. A teacher with little experience may have their hands full trying to demonstrate or explain. The master teacher is free to share their joy with students–if they allow themselves…it takes a sort of “letting go” I believe. An ability to be in the moment and feel the love of dance in your own body before you can communicate it clearly to those in your class. Then it flows.

What has a dance teacher done to inspire you? What was it that got it across? I’d love to hear what connected for you…