It’s a funny thing, but schools share similarities the world over (for example, they all smell the same at lunchtime!) This also holds true for children: no matter the language or the culture they are curious sponges, eager for new experiences. As we enter this phase I feel like I am home. Teaching in schools is what I do best.
The students appear fascinated by what I teach, and the educators are amazed at what is possible in the dance class. The days are long and difficult at times, but ultimately satisfying. I am so happy to find our rhythm, both literally and figuratively.
In the evenings, we teach more adult dance workshops.
The students range in age from 11-15 years old. Most have little dance experience outside of Scottish traditional dance. The classes are long, about 90 minutes each. We usually work in the gym and will teach 2 or 3 classes each day, for the rest of the week. Some of the neighborhoods we work in are wealthy, and others clearly disenfranchised. Some schools are brand new (opened this year), while others are old and decrepit. But we teach with the same zeal no matter what!
I love teaching, and I love teaching teachers. It’s extremely satisfying. Thanks to our sponsor, the Bank of Scotland! The Edinburgh Festival is pleased and I tell the team, “well done!”
Students of Royal High School in Edinburgh explore "dance space."
Here I'm directing students to make shapes.
A group of students from Royal High School rehearse a short dance.
Me teaching an African dance to Scottish students of Royal High School in Edinburgh.
Giving the students a taste of ballet.
A final (partial) class photo at Royal High School, Edinburgh Scotland.
Teaching Dance in Schools in Scotland
Director of Education at San Francisco Ballet
September 4, 2009
The students appear fascinated by what I teach, and the educators are amazed at what is possible in the dance class. The days are long and difficult at times, but ultimately satisfying. I am so happy to find our rhythm, both literally and figuratively.
In the evenings, we teach more adult dance workshops.
The students range in age from 11-15 years old. Most have little dance experience outside of Scottish traditional dance. The classes are long, about 90 minutes each. We usually work in the gym and will teach 2 or 3 classes each day, for the rest of the week. Some of the neighborhoods we work in are wealthy, and others clearly disenfranchised. Some schools are brand new (opened this year), while others are old and decrepit. But we teach with the same zeal no matter what!
I love teaching, and I love teaching teachers. It’s extremely satisfying. Thanks to our sponsor, the Bank of Scotland! The Edinburgh Festival is pleased and I tell the team, “well done!”
Students of Royal High School in Edinburgh explore "dance space."
Here I'm directing students to make shapes.
A group of students from Royal High School rehearse a short dance.
Me teaching an African dance to Scottish students of Royal High School in Edinburgh.
A final (partial) class photo at Royal High School, Edinburgh Scotland.