A “World” wind of Dance
I know it is Tuesday for sure when I hear the coins on the belly dance students’ hip bands clink as they arrive for their weekly class. These dancers come in all sorts of sizes, ages and abilities, but they share one thing in common…they all really enjoy the class. This is the first year we have offered this discipline, and the interest in the class is building each and every month. I know for certain that once it is seen at our recital the enrollment will be bigger and better for the new session. For many years now, our summer schedule has consisted of a dance camp and master classes, this year however, our current belly dance students have asked that we continue the class over the summer so they can attend and bring new dancers with them as well. This will surely help to defray our monthly expenses during the long hot doldrums of July and August.
On Wednesday night each week we get lured to Spain as we enjoy the scintillating sounds of Latin music. No coins this night, but still we have clicks from the high heeled shoes of our Spanish dance senoritas. They swish through the door with their long skirts, high heels and of course the ever-present attitude that comes with the attire. The only thing they seem to be missing is the long-stemmed rose gripped in their teeth, but that will more than likely appear in our upcoming June performance.
Introducing belly dance and rekindling Spanish dance this year has already been proven to be a good administrative decision. In addition to the gains we have experienced, these classes have opened doors to new dance and cultural horizons for our students. Depending on the area you live in, you might need to do some extra research to find competent instructors, but with the aid of the Internet it might not be that difficult. I also encourage you not to be shy about contacting your professional peers or dance organizations to help you out. But remember, the region of the country where you live has nothing to do with these or any type of class being a successful addition to your studio schedule but rather has everything to do with how they are introduced and presented to students as well as where you place them on your schedule.
Anytime you add a new class or discipline to your studio curriculum, you need to sell it - with confidence - to your students. You, personally, do not need to be an expert on the discipline, but you do have to be an expert at selling the class and its benefits to the student and parent. Place the class in a time slot where it can benefit from “feeder classes” on either side. It will be doomed from day one if it is lost amongst classes that will not be able to provide connecting students for it. Offer a complimentary class to your entire student body and you will be pleased with the positive reaction it can produce. Try anything you have up your sleeve to fill the first class with interested dancers, and they will do the work for you.
If you do not have space or time or money to offer exotic classes like belly and Spanish dance, then set up you own way to introduce the “world of dance” within World Dance to your students. Let them take mini side trips. Here are some suggestions: when considering combinations in your ballet classes or possible routines in your annual performance, think of using an Italian Tarantella or an Asian folk dance. I know your students would love to use the tambourines and finger cymbals that accompany these styles as much as mine do. What about teaching an Irish Jig, Celtic dance or Scottish Highland Fling in you tap classes? They are fast, fun and demand a lot of energy from your dancers, tiring them out very quickly! Think about a Russian acrobatics routine for your advanced students; a Calypso jazz routine for beginners and an African modern piece for your intermediates. These three have been fantastic performing vessels in the past for my students.
Take the opportunity that modern technology has given us with easy access to global music and choreographic styles. Share the wealth of world culture and friendship through dance. We provide the room and the instructor and they, as well as me, enjoy the trip.