Volunteering as a ballet teacher for young children in EDP, the after-school Extended Day Program, has been challenging and rewarding. It embodied the spirit of community service, activity, and creativity, allowing me to spread the love of the arts for others to experience. From the first plié to the final curtsy, we gained new knowledge and collected memorable experiences, offering opportunities for learning and growth for both myself and the students.
By offering ballet classes to young students, I can embrace movement, confidence, and my love for dance, among many more. Seeing the girls dance with big smiles was proof of my success. Bringing back the school spirit of color, movement, and smiles by holding various performances for events and shows brought back my dancer's childhood joy in the school community.
Embarking on this journey to teach ballet to young kids, I realized that my job isn't just about imparting my technical skills as a teacher. Creating fun and engaging environments is also essential to encouraging these students to break through and be their best selves. The energy and enthusiasm the students bring to each class were infectious, and it was a joy to see them embrace the challenge of learning new steps and movements.
Teaching ballet to children also comes with many challenges. It all comes down to patience, adaptability, and understanding. Teaching young students, I've come to approach each class with flexibility, adjusting teaching methods and being attentive to their emotions to help suit their needs and the children's attention span.
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned through this CAS project was the importance of self-reflection. By observing and correcting the mistakes of my students I've learned to become more aware of my dance form and techniques allowing me to refine my skills and become a better dancer in the process.
Teaching ballet to young children holds a special significance for me because dance is my passion. It's a language through which I can express myself and connect with others. As I continue my journey in dance, both as a student and as a teacher, I am committed to spreading my love for the art form and inspiring others to discover the joy of movement.