The conceptualized view of dancers is often created into negative aspects. Dancers are often stereotyped as those persons who are stuck-up and eccentric. The fallacy that all they do is feel the rhythm and synchronize their movements is stuck in the people’s mind, forgetting the fact that being a dancer comes with responsibility that every dedicated dancer is shouldering ― balancing their social life, profession, and their passion.
Dance is the language that the body speaks. It is the most enjoyable form of exercise and one of the most competitive sports… hence, a great way to build your confidence and express yourself. It is a conversation between body and soul that helps one to express himself without saying a word through body movements. It is not just an art of expression but is also a great workout regime. Dancing is not that hard specially if it’s your passion but teaching someone to dance is another thing.
My salutation to the dance instructors was etched at the back of my mind since I started teaching social dance for our lesson in MAPEH. Social dance teachers such as myself teach steps and techniques they have come to prefer or what they hunch their students will prefer. Teaching dance is a lot harder than it looks like. It is far different from teaching lessons orally or teaching universal knowledge. I never thought that demonstrating the steps repeatedly and shouting constantly will be that difficult. For a teacher that got used to teach in a confined room in the centre of lifelong knowledge, teaching a dance outside the classroom and demonstrating it is something new.
Social dancing has no standardized teaching or learning curriculum. But learning it is a must for social dances symbolize the coming of age of the students specially girls. A dance like social dances let you move your body freely as long as it’s synchronised with your partner. Social dances help you to express your different emotions and help you to build your confidence and social skills.
The conceptualized view of dancers is often created into negative aspects. Hence, as a teacher who treasures dancing, I aim to change those through teaching them with passion… my passion.
By: Edjel C. Fabian | T-I | BNHS
