Our
Philosophy
We believe dance
brings the body into harmony with the gravitational
pull and celebrates the human spirit. Our objective
in educating our students in the art and science
of dance is to instill the love of dance that
we ourselves are motivated and inspired by. We
support each of our students as unique individuals
with tremendous potential, and do not participate
in “Dance Competitions.” Whether a student is
an aspiring professional, uses our program to
compliment other athletic endeavors, or enjoys
dance as a way of conditioning the body and enhancing
creative thinking, the faculty of Casco Bay Movers
is here to guide each person toward their personal
goals.
A
Unique Experience
Participating in
a dance class is not like going to a gym, an aerobics
class, or any other classroom situation. Traditionally,
students demonstrate attitudes which express appreciation
of the opportunity to dance. Honoring all the
elements which come together in a dance class
make it an exhilarating experience in body, mind
and spirit.
Preparation
and Punctuality
To make the most
of your dance class, arrive mentally open and
prepared. We suggest using the action of entering
the front door as a symbol to leave all the responsibilities
of your busy life outside. Arrive at least 15
minutes early to check in , change, stretch out
in the lobby and perhaps get acquainted with some
of your classmates. If, for some uncontrolled
reason, you arrive late, enter quietly in the
back of the studio. If you need to leave class
early, inform your teacher before the end of class.
Never exit before the end of class (including
the cool down if there is one) without acknowledging
your instructor with a wave and/or a thank you.
Attendance
Regular attendance
is very important to your success. Make it a priority.
Dance vocabulary is inexhaustive and new material
is presented in each class. If you know you are
going to miss a class, arrange to meet with a
fellow student to review the material that was
presented. If you are an aspiring professional,
a minimum of two classes per day, six days a week
is necessary. Our staff can assist with auditions
and/or college preparations. When making the transition
to another level, it is crucial to come at least
two or three times per week. You should not feel
obligated to move into an upper level as long
as you are enjoying the class and receiving the
challenge you desire.
Dance
Class Etiquette
If you find your
body needs a lot of water, it is best to choose
a space in the back where you may leave a water
bottle handy and you can drink without disturbing
the class. However, it is best to drink only at
the midway break and then not so much as to have
it be uncomfortable while you continue class.
When the body is heated, cold liquid is not easily
absorbed. Loose jewelry needs to be taken off.
Hair needs to be up away from the face in all
dance classes. Do not sit down in class unless
invited to by the teacher. Repeated actions like
getting water, putting on and taking off clothing
or warm-up accessories, fixing hair and tying
shoes are a distraction to the real work of dance.
A teacher may stop to give a correction to an
individual in class, but the information she or
he is giving can really be for everyone. Listen
to hear if this correction may also help your
technique. If not, continue to stretch and move
quietly to stay warm. When a correction is for
you directly or indirectly, make a physical effort
at that moment to try to find the new placement,
timing or quality. As a teacher is breaking down
and demonstrating an exercise or movement phrase,
you may need to move in order to see more clearly
to ensure that everyone in class has good visibility.
For example, it is customary for students in ballet
class to clear the barre where the teacher is
demonstrating. Ask questions simply by speaking
up or raising your hand when you are unclear about
an instruction or detail.. It is customary to
applaud your teacher at the end of each class,
to acknowledge the experience, devotion, preparation
and energy she or he has brought to class.
“Teachers
Open the Door, But You Must Enter By Yourself”
Bring a sense of
discovery to class. Curiosity and interest are
the key and ignition of our energy. If we follow
our curiosity we become involved in awakening
and inspiring ourselves. If we have lost our curiosity,
our learning is slower, more arduous, and filled
with memories of past failures. Response to desire
is the cornerstone to growth. If we do not respond
to these urges but simply listen and watch, we
may become quiet and insightful, but do not evolve
and expand. Be sensitive to how each movement
makes you feel, the blood circulating into your
extremities, your spine lengthening and the adjustments
you make to maintain your balance. Little things,
when done from feeling and awareness, are what
make you stronger. Try to find satisfaction in
the process of learning. When working to master
a difficult exercise or dance move, keep practicing
while keeping in mind that the effects of dance
training are cumulative. Every body is unique
and learns at its own pace. Listen to the rhythm
of your body, use common sense and make sure each
movement feels good to you. Muscles have a memory
for movement. Physical impairments due to illness
or injury may take a long time to improve and
strengthen. Establishing new pattern may require
two or three times the normal effort. Realignment
of the body and forming new, positive habits require
an enduring commitment. Let your teacher know
of any major weaknesses.
Using
the Studio
Space As you enter
the studio, allow our senses to come alive. Claim
a space where you can see and hear the teacher
clearly. Give yourself enough space so that your
arm range can extend in all directions. Staggered
lines work best. You may need to adjust your space
as other students enter. It may feel intimidating
at first when you get to the section of class
to go across the floor. In lines of 3 or 4, make
eye contact with the people that you will be moving
with. This is your team and you can support each
other as you drill new steps, jumps and turns.
With repetition, during the final dance combinations,
you will begin in feel comfortable maintaining
your personal space while moving respectfully
with others.
Benefits
Living in our bodies
provides ways to awaken and express our energy,
which in turn reflects the quality of our lives.
After class you will feel energized and uplifted.
This routine of concentration and development
will help you overcome all sorts of personal challenges.
Keep a positive attitude and be realistic with
your goals. To appreciate your personal progress,
you may want to keep a written record on a calendar,
so that your strengths may be reviewed. For example:
note an increased flexibility in a particular
muscle or perhaps a greater ease in remembering
sequences of steps. Many gradual changes and improvements
are often overlooked until a whole level of improvement
seems to suddenly appear. Focus, effort, patience
and commitment will help you reach your potential.
Taking this body knowledge into a social context,
your confidence and presence will help you to
act with clarity and meaning.
