Dance Teacher
                     
NURTURING PROFESSIONALISM IN YOUNG DANCERS
Professionalism, respect, kindness, humility, 
courtesy, how we discuss and share ideas, 
disagree, collaborate and learn from one another 
are still important and relevant traits of a true 
professional. Where talent, technical ability and 
skill set is abundant and plentiful all around the 
dance industry, another lesson we want to impart 
upon our students, (and what sets them apart 
from others) is how we represent ourselves 
offstage as well.  Not just as a performer, but as 
a human being.
There are always lessons embedded within the lessons we 
teach in the dance studio. Especially, as we try to nurture the 
whole child and teach them things they will take with them 
no matter what profession they wind up in. Things like: Are 
we eager to listen and learn? Are we able to recognize 
corrections and feedback as a gift? Do we speak to others 
with respect, even when we disagree artistically or 
otherwise? Can we dialogue and communicate articulately 
and effectively without ego or condescension? Can we get 
our points across passionately with open mindedness? Can 
we take a moment to learn something from that class or 
teacher who just wasn’t your favorite? Are we humble and 
gracious? Do we use our words wisely and present an 
attitude of acceptance, inclusiveness and understanding? 
Does our body language demonstrate our presence and 
interest in what’s going on around us? Do we try to lift 
our peers up instead of chopping them down?  Are we 
timely and respectful of other people's time? Are we an 
example of positivity and a great attitude? How do we 
represent ourselves and our studio on social media? Are 
we focused, yet helpful to others? Are we able to accept 
change and go with the flow? Are we a team player? Are 
we open to new ideas and have a zest for learning all sorts 
of new things? Are we easy going and a pleasure to work 
with? Do we compliment, support and root for others? 
These are just some of the elements which make for a 
professional dancer, yes, but more so a person someone 
else remembers beyond that.
Even from the youngest of dancers, a simple “thank 
you,” to the teacher at the end of class starts to build a 
foundation of well… just good manners. We all live in 
this beautiful, unique, otherworldly, special, 
sometimes uncertain and stressful world of dance. 
This world may seem vast, but it’s much smaller than 
you think. Teach your dancers this important bit of 
information. Help them thrive in all capacities. Guide 
them wisely and lovingly so that whoever comes 
across their path in life remembers them and your 
studio as one of love, support, professionalism and 
kindness. Hopefully it will then expand 10-fold out in 
to their worlds- well beyond dance.