So, ok...... I think there is an expectation that I had not counted on. Where I teach, the other "dance" classes (ballet, tap.. etc..) have a sort of preformance at the last class. I had not placed that in my class. I had a mother come to me last night at the end of the session. She was nice, but she suggested a routine to be taught. My response was that the moves are not very easy for everyone to learn and everyone progresses at different levels. Also, this is a mixed class with beginners and some with experience. I said that flow is taught in the class, which I explained, learning transitions between tricks. It all takes some time with the hoop to get to that point. I dont think she was satified.
She said that "with this age, something to learn to go with a song would be helpful." (Let me just note that she was a half an hour late and that the other students were now tired. When she came up to me her daughter and thier neighbor were tossing, and playing. This is a part of my class. I found that a hour for eight year olds can be a bit much, so the last 20 minuets or so opens up. Those who still have the concentration to learn more have that oportunity.) Though part of her experience at this last class was siuational, I think she has something valid there, I was not put off by her. I am looking to learn from what she had to say and her expectations. I really wish that I had not forgotten to hand out evaluations last night, it could have been very helpful.

My student all show progress during course of a session but I dont know.... I just...I didnt think that a recital was needed or possible after teaching a few and seeing the general aptitude. And I see some very shy and intimidated personallities that I thought would be squelched by the prospect. That is the personality that I identfiy with, that was me. The key word is WAS. I'm not that way anymore. My husband would be that other side, a "look at me and what I can do" personality. (and a business man) So, after talking to him about this lady he could see that she was really looking for definable progress, to justify her investment. A reasonable expectation when presenting and marketing a product, but how do you do that with hooping? Especially when your dealing with a mom who is NOT taking the class herself, and may think that its easier to do than it really is. How do you accomodate ALL the personalities and not just the ones that I identify with. I have gone at teaching with the thoughts of how it was for me when I was learning. I have taught it from a place that drew me to it and held me to it, but its not that way for everyone.

My husband of course didnt have many answers, but raised many questions as the consumers advocated. One of his suggestions came from a martial arts class that our son took. Perhaps a color system to define a set of accomplishments in a ceremonial sort of way. (I have the tape) But color strip of tape placed on the hoop every trick or set of tricks.

So, I like that, I think that could work well... but I am posting to see if anyone out there has any ideas toward/against or foward to something else.