Friday, April 8, 2011

Instructor Ethics: Don't Put Your Instructor on the Spot!

One dilemma that most dancers don't think about surrounds the subject of asking for help from an instructor/event organizer who is at another instructor's event. Often times we are approached by the dancers in our local group with questions about something that they are working on.

While we are excited to see our dancers wanting to improve their dance, it puts us into an awkward position - that is, when we are at another instructor/organizer's venue, it is considered a professional courtesy that we not teach on their floor. So, what do you do if you are struggling with a move or a concept at a dance? You have a few options.

First, you can go to the host Instructor and ask for help. This is especially important to go to them if the move you want help on is the one you just learned in their workshop! They will usually be happy to help clarify things for you.

Second, if you have a preference for, or have been working with another Instructor who is in the room, you can wait until their next lesson to ask for help. This keeps them from getting into the awkward position of wanting to help vs wanting to respect the space and or teaching methods host Instructor.

Note: This is just a guide: different instructors have different relationships and agreements. If you have a small thing to ask, take your instructor to the side and ask if they are available to help you then and there. If they are comfortable with helping you, great! If not, ask them to remind you that you had a question at your next visit to their studio.

We all want to support you in your journey and growth as a dancer. Keeping this in mind when you are at a dance will help us to help you while extending a professional courtesy our colleagues. :^)

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