Leaving and changing dance class

Sometimes we are so focused on our class corrections, our weaknesses, even how we fit class or things we love into our every day lives that we forget one very important thing.

To look after ourselves.

I have lived several months being so harsh on myself, unkind and quite negative to myself about the fact that almost a year ago;  I felt the need to stop going to ballet classes at a studio in my town.
There were various reasons that added up to ultimately making the decision. Firstly, our finances needed to be on a tight budget due to a holiday abroad, to visit my family. I had some personal and health issues I was really struggling with but the main decision was I wasn't happy and skipping off to class like I usually did.

This was the most confusing part because I didn't have a mean teacher, I didn't have fellow students belittle me and even though the class was after a long day at work it fit well into my schedule.

I started becoming confused when I was unhappy going to class even towards the end actually crying out of frustration before classes - so unlike me! 

I sat down and thought about it and realised - my teacher wasn't getting to know us on even a small level. I believe as teachers they need to get to know the students-get to understand what their aim is, what they want from class and how their needs can be met. I'm not saying be buddies with us outside of the studio and I'm not saying fulfil everyone's whims and fancies. However, taking an adult class for over 6 months and some people for over a year there still wasn't an option for us adult dancers to possibly take pointe classes. There was also no option to possibly do exams, partake in showcases and if it wasn't an option to then have some discussion about alternative classes available to us.

I should have been happy with the classes I could go to but on another level I didn't feel welcome. I knew one students name even though I did try to get to know the other dancers - it just felt like a group of people that knew each other and I was the outsider intruding.

If you don't connect with the teacher or the class it's ok to look for something else.

I want to thank another adult dancer who posted very openly to a private group I'm part of on FaceBook, she inspired me to be gentle on myself and made me realise that I made the right decision.

Unlike her experiencing a really awful teacher and negative comments from that teacher (which I do not agree with in a teacher at all) my experiences have been very different. Either way fellow dancers or dance lovers that are considering starting a class  - remember that if you are not happy and not fulfilled in class it doesn't always mean there is a problem with that particular class or studio; you just need what fits right for your needs. 

Much like finding ballet shoes or pointe shoes - it's nothing personal, we just need the right fit. 

Share your personal experiences or how this or a similar piece has helped you. Please share even if you are struggling, by blog post or by email at: dancegrace2@gmail.com

Love to all xx