Ballet season is upon us folks... yes that means that tonight is my first day back teaching. This year is a bit different than last, I have 2 extra classes to put under my belt. So tonight I begin teaching a middle school intermediate ballet class and after that a highschool beginner class. I am getting nervous though.. for the first class or two the dean of the school sits in and participates. She is really nice, and I've known her since I was 5, but still. I'm nervous that I might screw up. It doesnt help that it is that wonderful time of the month when anxiety rears its ugly head moreso than usual. (TMI, I know.)
I dont know who I've got in my classes tonight. Thursday nights I go back to teach my beloved pointe classes. (for those of you non-dance folks, thats the toe-shoe, nutcracker kind of stuff) I am really looking forward to my intermediate girls, Ive had them for 2 years already and a couple will move up from the beginner class. I am curious to see who turned 12 this past year and will be in my beginner class. My beginners, every year are just angels! Only because its new to them and the try soooo hard to get everything perfect! My intermediates on the otherhand... lol... they are young highschool. A ton of chatty cathys. But nevertheless we get down to business and they love it so much that by recital, they are awesome.
I am having a hard time this year finding a good pointe song for my intermediates. I have one I want to do, but the vision in my head is with professionals doing it. I could tone it down for them, but it is kindof fast. But last years was fast and they did great. I always give my classes a choice of what song they want to do, and I let them collaborate on moves and stuff to put in the dance. I think it makes it feel like its more thier own creation than just going to class and having someone bark "do this, do that". So far it has had excellent results for the past 2 years.
I am in need of new dance gear, but havent found the time or money to fund that. Not that it's imperative, but I'll deal with what I've got.
