strathspey@strathspey.org:43916

Pia Walker

RE: Workshops

Jan. 28, 2006, 11:01 p.m. (Message 43916, in reply to message 43911)

As an older dancer, I would say that I still have a lot to learn - it is
easy to get set in your way when you have been doing things for 25 years or
more.

Pia

Pia was correct that you learn something from every teacher, and newer
dancers often need just that.  Some clearly aren't hearing what their own
teacher says--or may be ignoring it--but might take notice if a 'stranger'
mentions it.

I believe 'everyone' thinks they are doing just what the teacher says, but a
look in a mirror might light a fire.  Or a third party--workshop
teacher--who doesn't have to fear losing that person because they correct
him or her.

And BTW, I am not speaking of first-time dancers off the street. I would
never encourage anyone to attend a workshop who hasn't danced at least six
months.  It's not fair to the others--or themselves--to have rank amateurs
at workshops.

As my better half so succinctly put it, "the purpose of a workshop shouldn't
be to learn a dance, it should be to learn how to dance WELL."

Margaret