Let's get right into today's discussion,

Patching Holes

Whenever one of my University students is absent from my class, I reach out with a quick email to say, “I missed you in class today. I hope you are well.” 

This week, I sent an email to a young lady who was not in attendance at my Monday class. She responded, thanking me for checking in on her, as she had just broken up with her boyfriend before class, and the breakup took longer than she anticipated. She said she was really looking forward to class, and was so sorry she couldn’t make it. 

I remembered all too well being in those shoes, and tried to respond with something positive, sending, “Congrats on taking a step to make space for change in your life. I know that is never fun. Class would have been a nice distraction! I will see you Wednesday!”

Today, this student came into class, and gave me an unexpected, wholehearted, lengthy hug, and sincere thank you for my message. She said, “It was a messy, hurtful breakup. Even if I could only have made it in for the last 10 minutes of class Monday, I would have. I am so happy when I am here.”

I got home and over my lunch, happened to read a story about a man who was hired to paint a boat. As he worked, he noticed a hole in the hull, and without saying a word, he repaired it, considering it part of his job. Later the boat owner's children took the boat out on a fishing trip without telling him. Upon returning home, the boat owner was horrified to realize they had gone out in a boat with a hole in the hull, thinking they may never return. But when they came back safely, he rushed to check the boat, and found that the painter had repaired the hole.

When he saw the painter next, he offered him too much pay for the job, explaining what had happened, and swearing that, “You didn’t just fix a boat—you saved my children’s lives."

Even the smallest gestures can have a great impact. What may seem insignificant, a simple follow up email, or just part of your job, may mean the world to someone. We may unknowingly fix many “holes” for others—offering help, mending hearts, or simply being there. We often don't realize how much those small actions can mean to someone else. You never know when your quiet kindness might brighten a day or save a life. Keep helping, keep caring, for the world needs more Ballet teachers… and boat painters.

Let's get right into today's discussion,

“Work Hard, Play Hard”

The Importance of Play in Classical Dance Training

Where I will share some thoughts on the importance of being Playful in your Teachings!

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I am a Professor of Dance at Eastern University, and we just finished our Winter semester. At the end of each course, students are asked to fill out a course evaluation, with specific questions and ratings, but also with a space for additional comments. I am always so grateful and honored to receive testimonials like this one from Sophia Pinkham.

“The thing I love most about Heather’s classes is that she expects the best out of all her students, pushing them to perform each movement with care without typical negative reinforcements found in a dance class setting. Her fun, uplifting personality makes the classroom a fun and motivating environment to be in.”

I was very lucky to have a couple dance instructors in my years of training, who delivered legitimate, classical, thorough training, but with humor, and playfulness. These teachers inspired me to be the teacher I am today. I LOVE ballet. And I LOVE teaching ballet. And I want my students to LOVE ballet!! I want to train them properly and thoroughly. And yes, my friends, you can do both!!

As Sophia mentioned in her testimonial, I push them to perform each movement with care without typical negative reinforcements found in a dance class setting.

 Constant “work”, along with negative reinforcements, yes, has been the way of teaching throughout history. But does it have to be that way? Does it have to feel like work? And do teachings, corrections and feedback need to be delivered with negativity?

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The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting, assures us that “Using a playful learning pedagogical approach enhances teachers ability to help students attain goals and increases participation. When topics are important and relevant to children, they can better identify with the subject and the learning becomes more seamless. Creating playful and joyful experiences leverages the power of active, engaging, meaningful, thinking in powerful ways that lead to increased learning.”

As the historic Proverb reminds us, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”

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I have worked alongside several teachers who infuse their teachings with love and play, while still upholding the standards and etiquette of ballet class.
Just recently, backstage at the Nutcracker, a young student and I were speaking about their ballet teacher. He said he loved that she could be playful in class, but he giggled that she also means business!

Similarly, one of my students described me as the most patient and playful teacher - but we know when to reel it in!

My friends, you can indeed, teach with love and play, and still teach students the historic class etiquette that is expected of them.

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I believe, as Gerald May states, “The difference between work and play is only a matter of attitude.”

When fellow teachers ask how I do it - how do I get a class of 3rd graders completely focused on my every word? As I said earlier, I truly LOVE Ballet, and teaching, and I suppose students can feel this, whether I am teaching vocabulary, technique, history, or etiquette, my enthusiasm, and genuine joy and love that I have for it all seeps out as I playfully engage with them. We work hard, because we play hard!