Tensions are running high right now. There is a lot of pressure to finish the Halloween dances and start working of the Nutcracker dances. Looking at the calendar, I'm shocked to find that we only have six weeks until the show, six lessons per class until the show. That honestly freaks me out. Putting it into perspective, I'm scared we aren't going to be ready for the Nutcracker performance.
Looking at the dancers, I can see some of them realize how little time we have, while others don't have a care in the world. Coincidentally, these people who don't realize the short amount of time we have are the same people who miss class constantly and never try their hardest. They just expect to go into class, learn choreography, and leave. They don't think they have to put any extra time into it, don't seem willing to try to help at all. If they don't seem to want it, why are they even in dance?
I, on the other hand, am one of the people who can feel the seemingly physical weight of the looming recital on my shoulders. It's like a train hurtling toward me at top speed, threatening to run me over if I'm not aboard. It seems like one day all of the dancers are nervous about which special parts they are going to get, and the next we are getting costumes, working on dances, with just over a month until the show. It's nerve-wracking for the people who want the show to be perfect.
Now I understand that for some people dance is just a hobby, an afterschool activity that they don't expect to amount to anything. I wish that it wasn't that way, but I've learned that you can't make people care about something that's not a priority to them. For those of us who are actually passionate about dance, this show is important to us. We thrive on performing on stage, on creating happiness in the hearts of the people who watch these dance performances. That is what makes us happy. "But we have to learn that not everyone cares as much as us, which is disappointing but true." Field-notes, 10/13
I'm nervous that the other dancers who don't care are going to bring the dances down. Almost always, one of two things happen. One: We go into class and they don't remember choreography, so we have to take even more time to reteach things that they should have known and remembered. Or two: They weren't in class the previous week, and we have to take time to teach things that they would have known if they actually went to class. I get it, things happen and sometimes people can't come to class, but when it happens to each person almost every other week, I can't help but get irritated.
This upcoming Sunday, October 26th, is the Halloween show. Almost all of the dances I'm in for that show at done, except for hip hop. Half of that class has been gone for two weeks, so they have no idea what they are doing. One girl hasn't been in class for a month, when we first started working on the dance. The teacher has had to make numerous changes because of all the girls absent, considering this upcoming Wednesday is the last class before the show. I can't help but expect that dance to fall apart at the seams, which is sad because it is such a great dance.
Six weeks. Six weeks until the show is upon us. I have high hopes that everyone will realize the importance of it, and finally try their hardest, but at the same time I don't want to get my hopes up just to be disappointed in the end. All I can do is try my hardest in class, and hope that maybe it'll rub off on everyone else. I mean, what other option do I have?
Nice post. I feel sorry for you and your class. Knowing that your being held back can be very annoying, but there can be good reasons, just not all the time. Do you think it's possible to show us a video of the girls dancing, I would love to see that. I'm sure that the best thing to do in a situation like that would be to postpone the performance, or have the ones who do know the performance well be the only ones to perform.
ReplyDeleteYou capture an issue that teachers are constantly struggling with: how do we get students who aren't passionate about the subject matter to engage? An how do we make sure those who are passionate about the subject matter are getting the challenge they so deserve and desire? Great blog.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered this my self. Why do something if your not going to give your all??? One quote that I always keep in mine is "Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn't Work Hard" meaning that effort will always win out. I feel like effort is needed to do anything completely not just half-a**.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great blog, I love the voice you put into it. When I was reading it I almost felt as if I was getting ready to do the recitle, an overwhelming feeling washed over me. I had to pull myself back to reality. The connection you made with your dancers and students made sense, it was something I could relate to. I enjoyed reading your blog, nice job!
ReplyDeleteWonderful blog Lexi! As I read your blog I began to get the feeling I get during Band rehearsals/competitions. The feeling of wanting to put your all out on the field, but wanting everyone else to get the same feeling. Well hopefully as you get closer to performance night like you said the girls will possibly put more effort into the dances. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteNot only can I connect to your stress, but at the end when you said, "what options do I have left?" It pulls me away, and makes me think carefully of hopelessness, you have no other options but to let the instructor do his/hers job. While you sit in class, and feel the stress amongst the other students who have the same frustration. I enjoyed reading your blog. I hope the show went as planned.
ReplyDeleteWell Lexi Spoon, I am truly sorry you have had to deal with these things. How long have you been dancing? I really feel like you are passionate about this and it's showing through your blog. I hope I'm interpreting that correctly. But anyways, I would say that the best thing to do is call a meeting and tell these dancers how you really feel. I look forward to reading your blog.
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