Should I be Dancin'?

I spent today subbing dance back at North High. I haven't been in the Dance Room at North at all this year, and I don't know most of the students in beginning dance and half of the students in Intermediate, but teaching dance at North always feels a little like coming home. I ran the program there for four months in the Spring of 2009, and I loved every second of it. I felt needed and useful, and I loved my students - and they loved me, once they adjusted to my larger than life teaching personality and my demanding daily work out.

Friends and family have asked, well, why don't you get your credential and specialize in dance? It's a thought, but in a time of layoffs, the last thing I want to go into is education. There won't be openings for new teachers in years (ESPECIALLY in the arts), so by the time I finished my education and FINALLY found a position - I'm not sure my body would hold up to the stresses of teaching dance much longer. I teach by demonstration, so after five periods of dance in one day - I'm wiped out.

Then there's the other side of it. Many (certainly not ALL) of the students at North High come from homes where their parents could never afford to put them in dance class. So they register for dance in high school. When I came in to teach during March of 2009, they were HUNGRY to learn what I had to offer, what I was so blessed my parents were able to provide for me. Years and years of studio training in dance. You don't find students who are that hungry at very many schools. Plus, North High is SO culturally diverse - and I love that about it. Were I to follow up on this path to teaching, I would hope to land in a school like that.

So, no, I don't think I'm going to get my dance degree and credential (PLUS - I do not want ANY MORE STUDENT LOANS), but I sure love the days where I get to swing in to that dance room and challenge those teens. Days like today make subbing worth while.

Another reminder... had to share

So, I thought I had blogged for the day and would be done. Then there was this series of messages on Facebook from a student I worked with last year. We'll call her Tiffany*.

Before I share the messages, let me give some background. Last year, I was privileged to teach full-time at North High School in Torrance from March through June while the dance teacher was out on maternity leave. This was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but there were definitely some challenging moments. One was "Tiffany". She hated dance class with me. She was always so frustrated, couldn't understand why she didn't instantly get things, and one day - in a fit of frustration - told me "It doesn't matter anyways. I hate this class. I keep asking my counselor to transfer me out, but she won't do it! I'm going to ask her again!" To which, my little broken heart responded, "Hang in there. It will get easier. You can do it." And you know what? Somewhere along the line, it got easier for "Tiffany". Almost a year later, and she's still taking dance at North High School. Here are the posts she sent me today:

"Miss.Farrell your one amazing person you inspire me to do so much and you have helped me improve on my dancing. I love you and miss you! Your Amazing!"

My Response: "Awww! Darling! Thanks so much! Glad you're inspired. I just remember when you wanted out of that class last year. So glad that you've found your love for dance!

Her response: "yeah i mean for our dance final we had to make a 4 step ballet dance and we changed everything at last minute and performed today and it was worth 60 points and we got 58 points so i was really happy with my grade. Also Mrs.Johnson said that I have improved alot since last year when she saw me last and that was all because of you and I really do thank you so very much I would love to work with you some more deffinatly."

My Response: "that is AMAZING. So glad to hear it! I know for fact that I'll be in class at least a few times in the next couple of months. Hopefully we'll really get to actually do some technique!"

Her Response: "I would love that. I miss doing across the floor with you and you really do motivate me to do alot and I have made so much progress with your help I cant thank you enough. But maybe I can talk to my dad about some private lessons possibly?"

What an amazing transformation! I am SOOOO honored to have had a small part in her transformation. I post it here as encouragement. NEVER forget that as a teacher - even as a dance teacher - your encouragement can change a young life!

"Tiffany" - If you're reading this, I am so proud of you! Thanks for encouraging me in return!

Bless you, all you teachers out there! Keep fighting for the next generation!