articles

Learning ThroughTeaching

By Melissa Gravely - Village Dance Studios Owner/ Dancer/ Teacher October 24, 2014
Editor's Note- I am so proud to share that both of my girls dance(d) with Melissa at VDS and her passion, love and deisre for all of the dancers to feel connected and shine is so admirable. I am so proud to be a part of her extended dancing family.

As a teacher my journey is never ending.  I am constantly learning from my students and fellow teachers.  I observe, listen and challenge my own ideas about my art and the ways in which I choose to share that knowledge with my students. 

I have learned so much from my students and have grown so much over the years. I always tell my students that the journey as a dancer is a lifelong one and one that is ever changing and challenging.  It is one of the reasons that I love the art form of dance and movement.  One of my lessons has been to never judge a student because their journey has only just begun. 

 In an art form where perfect lines and shapes of the body create beauty, it is hard to find the balance of technique and creativity.  Every dancer is reaching for that goal of strength and perfection, to master that turn, that jump or trick but the real beauty comes from the passion behind those lines.  The perfect technical dancer does not always have that passion but it is that passion that can drive the ok dancer to unbelievable beauty.  It is the passion that keeps that dancer coming back into the studio to work, year after year and to achieve the technical and creative beauty needed to be a dancer.  

It is amazing to watch the fire emerge in a young dancer and to see its raw beauty.  Then over the years to teach the technical lines and shapes that will allow that dancer a voice is a wonderful journey.  In a world where everything is right now and instant, it is hard for students to understand that their talent will take years to develop but it is an invaluable lesson in life. 


No matter how fast our day to day life becomes it is important to step back, observe and learn.  We can learn so much from our students and our children.  Watch their journey and see where their passion drives them. 
 It can lead you to unbelievable heights.