We've decided to start something new this year in the form of a blog series called “Catch the Light.” In a world filled with carpool lines, appointments, activities, traffic, and more hustle and bustle than any of us ever planned, we were inspired to find the positive moments that make life special. There is no question about it, all of our Atlanta Dance Central faculty members are in love with dance. They thrive off of sharing their passion and appreciation for dance with every student. They do this because every week there are moments in the classroom where the students inspire us. Catch the Light is about bringing these positive and heart warming moments to back to our ADC families and the dance community!
To kick off this series we'd like to share our first “Catch the Light” moment. We all know this kind of student. She works hard, she listens to directions, applies corrections, and is the kind of student that every teacher dreams of having in their classroom. She is kind to her classmates, is never a distraction, and she comes to the studio a few times per week. In fact, this student is so serious about dance that sometimes you wonder, is she having any fun? Does she enjoy coming to dance multiple times a week? She is certainly talented, but through all of her devotion you want her to realize that dance is something to be enjoyed.
This particular student has been dancing in the studio for a few years. She has found her niche in the studio and has grown into a mature young dancer. On stage, she knows the choreography but is sometimes too shy to share her smile with the audience. While rehearsing an up beat dance the other day, Ms. Andrea asked, “Is this dance fun?” It looks fun, the music is exciting and encourages clapping or foot tapping, but it didn't read as the dancers were performing the choreography.
“Of course!” the class replied, they'd be lying if they said it wasn't. We want to join the dance with them!
“Your audience needs to know you're having fun,” Ms. Andrea explained.
That's when it happened. The first drums of the music began and her smile appeared. The smile of a student who has been working hard but performing with seriousness for years. Her smile lit up her entire face, but more than that it lit up her dancing. Ms. Andrea could not keep her eyes off of this beautiful performer for the entirety of the dance because FINALLY, she was dancing with her heart! Her smile opened the door for any audience member to see that this young student and artist loves every second of what she is doing. And with that smile, rehearsal was a success.
Dance isn't always about the pointed toes, the accuracy of the musicality, or perfect flexibility. Dance can be about just one smile that lets the audience know that you are enjoying what you are doing and inspires everyone who is watching.
We hope you read along with us as we share more uplifting Catch the Light posts throughout the season!
Leave a Reply