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When you think about it, belly dance teachers create their own competition. Many students go on to start teaching their own classes and seeking out their own gigs, becoming competitors to their teachers.
Should students give anything back to their teachers? If so, what? Or did they satisfy their obligation by paying for their classes, and paying to attend events sponsored by their teachers?
I wonder how many people who start teaching anticipate that the day will come when some of those enthusiastic students become competitors. I've seen some teachers act surprised when their students eventually started teaching.
What do you think?
Should students give anything back to their teachers? If so, what? Or did they satisfy their obligation by paying for their classes, and paying to attend events sponsored by their teachers?
I wonder how many people who start teaching anticipate that the day will come when some of those enthusiastic students become competitors. I've seen some teachers act surprised when their students eventually started teaching.
What do you think?
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Iowa
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Re: Should we give back to our belly dancing teachers?
Sat, October 31, 2009 - 5:46 PMFortunately, my teacher is the one who pressed me into teaching, telling me I was ready for it when I didn't think I was. She remains my best friend and troupe director. She continues to teach and the only reason that I'm not still taking lessons from her are the financial and logistical problems of her classes being on the same night as one of my classes and at a fitness club that I am no longer a member of.
I give her credit as my teacher to all my students and I recommend her to anyone who wants lessons but can't come to my classes or as an alternative to me. I also give credit to all of the wonderful dancers whose workshops I have attended. If I teach one of their techniques, I mention where it came from.
I think it is important to remember and honor your teachers who came before you, whether it is in the dancing world or any other aspect of your life. They had a hand in making me who I am today. -
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Re: Should we give back to our belly dancing teachers?
Sat, October 31, 2009 - 6:42 PMWell said, Xanthea!
I made an "inspirations" page on my website several years back: zanbaka.com/inspiration.htm
I feel it's so important to express gratitude to those who came before us, who have taught us, or have inspired us from afar.
I’ve never really been too concerned about competition. There is enough for everyone, even in these rough economic times. If we’re working hard to bring excellence in bellydance to the general public, there will always be new students, audience members, and aficionados, in addition to the old.
What about the other side of the coin? The "6 Week Wonder" who sets out on their own and not-quite-ready-for-prime-time teaching or performing, citing you as their main instructor and influence?
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Re: Should we give back to our belly dancing teachers?
Sat, October 31, 2009 - 8:16 PMI do not teach but did co-start a performing group. My 1st teacher is still teaching here in town as is my 2nd, and still current teacher, in the town up the river. However, our group does a completely different style (ATS) from either of teachers' groups. I am very grateful and will always be so to both as inspiration and friends. The best thing is they have been very encouraging and supportive of our group's endeavors. That means the world to me and I'm just realizing more gratitude need expressed to them.
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Re: Should we give back to our belly dancing teachers?
Sun, November 1, 2009 - 7:43 AMI know of one teacher who refuses to teach anything other than beginning level classes, because she does not want to train her competition. -
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Re: Should we give back to our belly dancing teachers?
Sun, November 1, 2009 - 8:43 AMDear Gang,
I expect that any teacher worth her salt would want some of her students to eventually become professional dancers, and teachers themselves. I have even set several of my students up to teach when i thought they were ready. I would like to think that I have impacted the dance world on a positive level, and when I am no longer a part of that scene, I feel that those of my students who have gone on to become truly wonderful performers and instructors, will carry a little bit of my "dance DNA" in their work, and a bit of "me", therefore, can dance forever!
Regards,
A'isha
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Re: Should we give back to our belly dancing teachers?
Sun, November 1, 2009 - 3:02 PMim not teaching yet (but dreaming of some day when im ready ^_^) so when people at the restaurant i dance at ask for lessons i refer them to my teacher. last class i got some of her cards and i'm going to put a little card-sized pocket inside my belt so i can give them to people when they ask. -
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Re: Should we give back to our belly dancing teachers?
Sun, November 1, 2009 - 4:15 PMI <3 all of my teachers! I have been fortunate enough to have taken continuous, regular classes with some top performers/instructors here in Phoenix.
Mara: She was my first and planted the seed in my brain that I actually had an ability to do this.
Zina: She taught me how to perform with veils...she so fab!
Helena Vlahos: Incredible performer and instructor.
Ava Fleming: Cannot put into words. She has taken my dancing to a new level. I don't think she knows how she has affected me.
Plus the workshops:
Jim Boz is my fave! Love when he comes to town. With his common sense perspective (if it doesn't look good on you, don't do it!) and sense of humor (his dance vocabulary) make remembering his points so easy.
I taught at a gym for a short time... just under a year (long enough to burn myself out). I *always* credited whomever "taught me this" and usually with a funny anecdote. I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
One of the ladies referenced above once said to me (and I'm paraphrasing) that a sign of a good teacher is that teacher's ability to teach a student so that the student can do what she does. Words may be different, but that's the point. I never felt like an instructor was holding me back, but rather nudging me forward. Forcing me to challenge myself and step out of the box... with style.
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Re: We should give back to our belly dancing teachers
Sun, November 1, 2009 - 5:03 PMWouldn't teachers want their students to surpass them eventually so the art form can continue to grow? I teach visual art, and I tell my students that if I'm doing my job right a few of them will become better artists than me someday. I bring this up when I teach about how Leonardo da Vinci surpassed his teacher, Andrea del Verrocchio, and it surprises a lot of my students. I hope it inspires them too. I really can't imagine a teacher keeping her/his students at a lower level so s/he can look better by comparison. It's like the bride making her bridesmaids wear really hideous dresses!
I don't teach dance. I perform with my teacher's student troupe a few times a year, and our big shows are at a local Renaissance festival. After our shows, strangers often compliment us on our performances, and we'll refer them to our teacher. When we have our thinking caps on, we'll remember to bring her brochures and business cards with us to hand out to potential classmates.
Even if I had been dancing long enough and had the talent and knowhow to teach, I wouldn’t set up shop in my town. I don’t think it would be worth my time because I don’t think there’s enough interest here, and I highly doubt I could compete with my well-established teacher.
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Re: Should we give back to our belly dancing teachers?
Mon, November 2, 2009 - 3:57 AMHi, My one tribal teacher, is so sweet and fantastic, she can't handle all her workload: teaching 4 levels, performing regularly at this one middle eastern restaurant, performing with her group at different gigs and events. She has been asking her advanced students and troupe mates for help. Some of us act as TA (Teacher's assistants) great for traning them to one day become a teacher themselves. Others she has asked with her workload and the restaurant so she can actually have a couple nights off sometimes with her man.
She has mentored me to help her out in performing at her restaurant performing. SOME of the ladies of our tribe are very supportive, going to each other's performances to show their support. We also all chipped in as a whole when someone broke into her car and stole her costumes and jewelry. I have also prepurchased her beginner DVD even though I am not sure I need a beginner 's DVD just to show my support. I am sure other's have too :)
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Re: Should we give back to our belly dancing teachers?
Fri, November 6, 2009 - 12:04 PMFirst I would say it depends on the relationship you have with your teacher. Some teachers are truly teachers they teach because they love the dance and they are not afraid of competition (Having beauty complex issues and such). They want to see the student excel .
In my honest opinion I payed for the class and you taught me. But again if your teacher was one of those teachers who were also your mentor and they went out of there way to do things for you, then of course you should give back.
Teachers should be proud when there students out perform them and start teaching themselves, that is the mark of a wonderful teacher.
To pass on the knowledge and watch as things progress. I would most definately give credit to such a teacher. As I think most dancers do.
and recommend that teacher to others.
