When professional ballet dancers are asked to explain how they got started, they can often recall one particular teacher who made a difference and got them hooked on dance. Ask any dedicated instructor or studio owner and you’ll find that they want to be that inspiration for the next generation of students.
Use our list to look at your instructors as a parent or potential student might and make sure they’re hearing – and seeing – evidence that your teachers are the right choice!
1. Their PASSION is evident.
A great teacher loves ballet and it shows. They get excited when they talk about it, spend time on it, and genuinely are interested in it. It’s clear they want others to share in it and appreciate ballet.
2. They have a TEACHER mentality.
A great instructor not only loves ballet but embraces teaching. They keep innovating and working on their teaching skills because they are thinking about the experience for their students. The Ballet MethodTM offers teacher training workshops that can be customized to your studio’s needs. The training instructs teachers how to break down The Ballet MethodTM curriculum and demonstrates how to provide kinesthetic corrections to students.
3. They are PROFESSIONAL.
A good ballet instructor understands his/her role in front of students as well as has reverence for the tradition of ballet and so that they set a standard for themselves and their classes. They conduct themselves in a professional manner – dressing, acting and speaking appropriately in and out of class. They know that little eyes are watching and little ears are listening – and that parents are on social media.
4. They come PREPARED.
Great instructors take their job seriously so they show up prepared. Their classes follow a plan, as well as an overall school syllabus, and keep everyone engaged by breaking down ballet technique in an age-appropriate manner. They not only teach students but speak to the students in an age-appropriate way. Students aren’t left waiting for their next combination in class because the teacher is not prepared.
5. They have PATIENCE for miles.
Great ballet teachers know that mastery takes time. Their patience and support keeps students motivated and working hard – and keep parents informed of progress and milestones.
It is said that the best teachers are like planets with their own atmosphere where students are pulled in and everyone breathes the same air. That kind of influence takes leadership and mindfulness. The Ballet MethodTM is a resource for studio owners and instructors who strive for instructional excellence. Our programs help good ballet instructors learn to become great ones!
