| A day in the life of a dance instructor may seem quite | | | | depending on what has been scheduled. |
| glamorous to some, and some days it might feel that | | | | If weather permits, lunch often happens outside, but |
| way to an instructor, but it is also a job, and requires | | | | either way, it's nice to have a break before the |
| proper preparation, organization and a watchful eye to | | | | afternoon rush of children. The first afternoon class is |
| keep things running smoothly. Above all else, a dance | | | | for preschool children, and is more of a creative |
| instructor needs high energy to keep going through the | | | | movement type of dancing lesson, since it's difficult for |
| day, and a friendly, enthusiastic attitude so that | | | | the really young ones to follow and remember |
| students are drawn to take lessons with that teacher. | | | | choreography. But they do learn the basic positions of |
| Luckily, most dance instructors really love what they | | | | the feet and arms, and practice very basic steps, like |
| do, because otherwise, a day in the life might seem | | | | skipping, and ballet walks. The dance lesson for |
| very long, indeed. | | | | elementary school children is more focused, since they |
| The day begins with morning preparations, and a | | | | are able to pay attention and have a better sense of |
| power breakfast is the key to having energy to get | | | | body awareness. These students learn the French |
| through a busy, active morning. After breakfast, it's | | | | terminology for each dance step, and begin to work on |
| time to look over the schedule for the day, and make | | | | posture and refining the positions of the hands and |
| sure music playlists are up to date and properly named | | | | feet. The older high school and junior high school kids |
| and numbered for each class. Assembling other | | | | attend ballet classes in the early evenings just before |
| necessary supplies, including snacks and water, extra | | | | dinner. Some days there is only a technique class on |
| dance clothes, dance shoes, mp3 player and notes | | | | the schedule, and students wear ballet slippers for that |
| happens rapidly to make sure to get out the door on | | | | class. Twice per week, there is a second, more |
| time. | | | | advanced class for students who are old enough to |
| Morning classes begin at 10am, with an adult ballet | | | | practice in pointe shoes. When the evening classes |
| class, which lasts for an hour and a half. The dance | | | | end, that is often the end of the day. But in mid-spring, |
| studio has to be prepared for their arrival; doors are | | | | evenings are used to rehearse the older students for |
| unlocked, lights turned on, music playing to greet dance | | | | the school dance recital. |
| students as they appear. Phone calls must be | | | | Even when the last class is over and the day is |
| answered, and mail sorted or prepared to go out. | | | | finished for students, it isn't always completely finished |
| Dance instructors must always arrive early not only to | | | | for the dance instructor. The studio must be swept |
| get the studio prepared, but also to warm up their | | | | and cleaned, especially the floor, and there may be |
| muscles, since most instructors demonstrate dance | | | | administrative duties to perform, like bookkeeping or |
| steps and technique throughout the class. Class itself | | | | promotion. Preparing for the following work day often |
| consists of warming up, followed by a series of dance | | | | consists of adding and editing music playlists, |
| exercises at the barre, and then dance exercises in | | | | strategizing about how to help students who are |
| the middle of floor, ending with big jumps. The adults | | | | having difficulties, and reading about new ideas to use |
| are very motivated to learn and perfect each move, | | | | in dance classes. A good night's rest often the last |
| and for many of them, it's a dream come true to be | | | | item on the daily agenda, so the next day starts off on |
| taking ballet lessons. After the morning class is over, | | | | the right foot. |
| private lessons happen for the next hour or two, | | | | |
