How To Be Seen By Your Teacher

Now this is not a 100% guarantee, however if you stay consistent on doing these things, I am quite certain that you will be noticed and appreciated by your dance teacher.

1): Come Early to Class.

By being early this sends an automatic message to your teacher that this means a lot to you, and that you prioritize dance in your life. Especially if you are early for every class. It is professional and can also give you a better opportunity to speak with your teacher one on one about any questions you might have that you feel may take up precious time in class. It is never a good thing to be that person who is always needing to ask a million questions during class time. Picking up a minute and a half of choreography within 45 minutes can be hard enough, so being stuck on a move that everyone else knows can become frustrating for those who want to focus more on the sequence and get the piece as a whole into their bodies- so that they can perform it by the end of the class. So being on time gives you ample opportunity to get ahead of the game, and also time to warm up and center yourself before you head into class.

2). Be Happy to Be There.

It does not go unnoticed when you are the one still smiling during a tough sequence or intense warm up. It subtly shows them that this is where you want to be, and that no matter what.. you are having fun. Your teacher sees a lot of students, and can pick up on when a student is not really into what they are doing in class, and so having a smile and staying focused in class is crucial for catching your teacher's attention.

3). Do Your Homework.

If you're at an institution, of course do your actual homework and put time into your academics.. this is very important, but I also mean do your homework when it comes to your technique. At home, try to find a space to stretch daily, and work on alignment, turns (safely), doing pilates at home on the mat can also help strengthen your muscles more for class. I also HIGHLY recommend one to do floor barre exercises at home or in the studio at least 4 times a week for at least 25 minutes, during this time, you will become more in touch with your body, and be able to feel your actual turn out, and know how to better apply this in the classroom. Believe me, taking time to work on the things you do in class at home by yourself, really helps solidify the technique. It also makes you feel more confident. Which brings me to my next tip.

4). Be Confident.

Confidence shines bright... not arrogance or defeat. Having a knowing that you are a dancer, and no matter if you are having an off day, or if you are not able to grasp a particular technique or movement that day, that it is okay. You will learn it, and that it will happen.. just knowing this and believing this will send a message that you know who you are, and trust in your abilities. This is a form of self love too, and loving oneself is what gives a person confidence in whatever they are doing. Loving oneself comes trust in oneself.. which = confidence. Confident people are admired, arrogant people produce negative feelings in others. That should not be your goal in a classroom/studio/rehearsal setting. You are making connections with people at all times, and you want to leave the impression that you are easy and fun to work with, and that you can be trusted. If you are sending vibes that you are better than everyone else, it's more unlikely that you will be thought of for a future project, because of your attitude. Stay humble, stay warm, stay focused, and LOVE yourself.