Beautiful dancers of Los Angeles and Pasadena: I will be teaching my classes as usual on Monday, February 17th. They are at Le Studio in Pasadena:
6PM Basic Pointe
6:30PM Beg/Intermediate Ballet
7:45PM Basic Ballet
So if you are looking for class on that day, be sure to come take it with me!
Also, a housekeeping note: I am always thrilled when I get emails from students who want to begin ballet as adults. To them I say, "Awesome!" However, at this time, the only location where I am teaching Basic Ballet (which is suitable for anyone at any level) is at Le Studio in Pasadena on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. I do not teach this class at Dance Arts Academy so please please do not purchase a class card through my blog because it is only valid for my classes at DAA, not at Le Studio.
If you ever have questions about a class, about the level, about what to wear, about my schedule...please send me an email first. I do issue refunds to people who make card purchases in error but it costs me to do so, plus it's disappointing for you as well.
Thanks and happy dancing!
Showing posts with label housekeeping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label housekeeping. Show all posts
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
"Why do you ask me so many questions, Leigh?"
You're new to my class. Perhaps new to the studio. I introduce myself to you.
"Hi, I'm Leigh. What's your name?"
"Um, Nancy Newbie."
"Hi, Nancy! What's your experience?"
At this point, most people respond with a variation of:
"I've been dancing for X number of years." Or "I danced as a kid and am just getting back into ballet."
"Great, great! Are you new to the area, new to LA?"
"Yes." or "No." (Duh.)
If you're brand new to dance, I'll probably put you between 2 students who know my class well. If you're not new, I'll probably introduce you to the students right near you and mention something about them.
Why do I want to know all these things about you? I mean, you're just there to take a class, not become BFF's with everyone. What do I care anyway whether you've been dancing a while or are new to the area, etc.?
The answers to these questions give me insight into the way you will take the class. If you're super new, I'll be super supportive and make sure you're picking everything up. If you look lost, I want to help you. If you're new to the area, I might step back a bit and give you some space, since you're probably looking around for classes and teachers and I don't want to overwhelm you. If you tell me you danced a long, long time ago, I'll observe for class placement -this might not be the best class for you. If you say you had an injury, I won't push you. If you mention you take classes all over or otherwise seem like you're very interested in dance and improving your technique, I'll give you corrections.
I want you to have a good experience in my classes, no matter what level you are. While I can't tailor a class to a specific individual, I can direct it so the majority of the students are satisfied. I know not everyone does this, not every teacher bothers, and I get why: it's time-consuming and can feel like pandering. If the student doesn't come back, you wonder why, especially if you felt like it was a good fit for them.
Honestly, I do get disappointed sometimes when a good student doesn't return and I often vow to not bother to get to know someone in the future. But my classes are small and the students are tight. Every student who "sticks" fits in nicely with the group. That makes it more pleasant for all: you attend and see friendly faces and they like seeing you. I become ridiculously happy when my students socialize outside of class. That is success.
Happy dancing~
PS - a couple of housekeeping notes: There will be no Stretch class this Friday, 5:30. Also, I realized my calendar listed my Tues/Thurs classes as Adv/Beg. I changed that to Adv Beg - it is an Advanced Beginner class. I expect students to have the basics down and are looking for a challenge. ~ LP
"Hi, I'm Leigh. What's your name?"
"Um, Nancy Newbie."
"Hi, Nancy! What's your experience?"
At this point, most people respond with a variation of:
"I've been dancing for X number of years." Or "I danced as a kid and am just getting back into ballet."
"Great, great! Are you new to the area, new to LA?"
"Yes." or "No." (Duh.)
If you're brand new to dance, I'll probably put you between 2 students who know my class well. If you're not new, I'll probably introduce you to the students right near you and mention something about them.
Why do I want to know all these things about you? I mean, you're just there to take a class, not become BFF's with everyone. What do I care anyway whether you've been dancing a while or are new to the area, etc.?
The answers to these questions give me insight into the way you will take the class. If you're super new, I'll be super supportive and make sure you're picking everything up. If you look lost, I want to help you. If you're new to the area, I might step back a bit and give you some space, since you're probably looking around for classes and teachers and I don't want to overwhelm you. If you tell me you danced a long, long time ago, I'll observe for class placement -this might not be the best class for you. If you say you had an injury, I won't push you. If you mention you take classes all over or otherwise seem like you're very interested in dance and improving your technique, I'll give you corrections.
I want you to have a good experience in my classes, no matter what level you are. While I can't tailor a class to a specific individual, I can direct it so the majority of the students are satisfied. I know not everyone does this, not every teacher bothers, and I get why: it's time-consuming and can feel like pandering. If the student doesn't come back, you wonder why, especially if you felt like it was a good fit for them.
Honestly, I do get disappointed sometimes when a good student doesn't return and I often vow to not bother to get to know someone in the future. But my classes are small and the students are tight. Every student who "sticks" fits in nicely with the group. That makes it more pleasant for all: you attend and see friendly faces and they like seeing you. I become ridiculously happy when my students socialize outside of class. That is success.
Happy dancing~
PS - a couple of housekeeping notes: There will be no Stretch class this Friday, 5:30. Also, I realized my calendar listed my Tues/Thurs classes as Adv/Beg. I changed that to Adv Beg - it is an Advanced Beginner class. I expect students to have the basics down and are looking for a challenge. ~ LP
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