Open letter to group fitness teachers everywhere...
My journey from teacher to student has been bumpy to say the least. But I have finally completely accepted my current role as student and am embracing it fully. I am at peace. If the opportunity comes for me to teach Nia or Zumba, I’ll gladly do it. If it doesn’t, I’m glad as well. I see my teachers dealing with the same situations that I once dealt with – low student turnout, low student motivation, low motivation as a teacher, the huge commitment of time and energy it takes to be a teacher of anything, if you want to do it with excellence. This reminds me to be grateful to be a student.
So, I write this letter from a place of love and respect, and as a now observer who has been in the teacher’s shoes….
Please remember that this class is about us, the students, and not you. Not how great your moves are, or what mood you are in today, or how good you look. Know that I want to feel successful and good about myself, so please break things down for me and don't go too fast. Please refrain from watching yourself in the mirror excessively, which kills my connection to you. Please respect my body’s way, and don’t expect it to perform as you think it should or want it to. Please follow the formula of the program you are trained in because it was probably developed that way for a reason. Please don’t touch me without my permission, and without telling me why. Please respect my ears and don’t turn the music up so loud. And if you really want me to keep coming, learn my name. Take a moment to talk to me and welcome me and I will want to come back. And if you want me to bring my friends, create a community. In the end, I am coming for more than just a workout – I want to belong.
With love,
Your student
So, I write this letter from a place of love and respect, and as a now observer who has been in the teacher’s shoes….
Please remember that this class is about us, the students, and not you. Not how great your moves are, or what mood you are in today, or how good you look. Know that I want to feel successful and good about myself, so please break things down for me and don't go too fast. Please refrain from watching yourself in the mirror excessively, which kills my connection to you. Please respect my body’s way, and don’t expect it to perform as you think it should or want it to. Please follow the formula of the program you are trained in because it was probably developed that way for a reason. Please don’t touch me without my permission, and without telling me why. Please respect my ears and don’t turn the music up so loud. And if you really want me to keep coming, learn my name. Take a moment to talk to me and welcome me and I will want to come back. And if you want me to bring my friends, create a community. In the end, I am coming for more than just a workout – I want to belong.
With love,
Your student
Posted by Stephanie at Saturday, May 28, 2011 6:34 PM 
Categories: Fitness, Zumba, Pleasure, Nia Technique
Tags: fitness teacher student
Categories: Fitness, Zumba, Pleasure, Nia Technique
Tags: fitness teacher student
Steph....EXcellent. Truly. I don't know how you got yourself to such a space of acceptance and peace w/your zeal and talent for teaching --whatever is your secret?! Me? I'd be whining and carrying on.... Believe me when I say that I am really enjoying these blogs. The things you so succinctly listed that we teachers go through are 100% spot ON. It is a very tough go to make it all happen, to "do your best", to take and make all the time involved in learning, embodying, being creative on top of it all...I've been a dance teacher for 25 years and there's seldom been a time where I wasn't battling at least a couple of the exact things you mention!! Conversely, your letter as a student is timely and a solid reminder. I am printing it off. May I have your permission to read this blog to my students?? Let me know....Also, this summer,I've invited my original mentor, Leila Gamal, who is a nationally known and sought after Middle Eastern dance instructor to come into my small home studio for a series of classes this summer for my Troupies + a few others. I am SO looking forward to NOT being "the Teacher"!!!! Oh my,LOL! Thanks for speaking to it all! Hang in there....I just believe that something will open up for you once folks get to know you, lovely, you... Sending "LPG"....*mwahhh* Melanie
Reply to this
My dearest Mel... of course you can share this with anyone, and I really appreciate your kind words. I am glad this resonated with you - and of course you know that I didn't even scratch the surface of what we go through as teachers to deliver an excellent experience!
Reply to this