Being thankful is a great mindset to adopt all year round. But Thanksgiving, in particular, is a great reason to vocalize what we’re thankful for.
Emily Bufferd teaching at Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive. Photo courtesy of Joffrey Ballet School.
This Turkey Day, we’re saluting those who keep us pointing our toes, on our legs and grooving in the dance studio. Let’s give thanks to the tireless, passionate dance teachers out there. Here are nine reasons why to say gratzi to dance educators — although, you can probably think of many more.
#1. Physical fitness
Whether it’s ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop or ballroom, dance is a great full-body workout.
#2. Physical awareness
There’s a reason dancers often say they really know their bodies… enter dance teachers here.
#3. Good posture
Your carriage will become the envy of your non-dancer friends, family and colleagues.
#4. Discipline
You may not appreciate the routine and regime that go hand-in-hand with most dance forms in this very moment, but you will down the road.
#5. Learning how to take criticism
In dance, you are used to constant feedback. While it can at times be disheartening or trying, learning how to be open and receptive to criticism is a major skill. So thank our dance teachers for that one.
Matthew Powell teaching company class at Slovak National Ballet. Photo by Costin Radu.
#6. Making you tough as nails
Dance, no matter what style or form, makes you strong physically and mentally.
#7. Providing a sanctuary
In the spirit of Juliette Simone from the classic dance movie — well maybe not a classic, but a guilty pleasure for sure — Center Stage: The dance studio can be your safe haven when other things in life feel hectic or imbalanced.
#8. Well, this may be obvious, but they teach you steps and how to string them together
The gift of dance, how can you not be thankful for that?
#9. The encouragement to pursue your wildest dreams
You may or may not have visions of being in the spotlight. But for many of you reading this, a dance teacher has played a significant role in your life. Maybe dance is your dream, or perhaps it’s to be a doctor, journalist, attorney, parent. No matter what your aspirations are or were, dance teachers often push us to our limits and then encourage us to reach even further.
By Stephanie Wolf of Dance Informa.
Photo (top): Dance Informa Editor Deborah Searle with her students from Project Dance Atlanta 2015. Photo courtesy of Searle.
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