The art of passing on dance knowledge and new skills to students is a demanding one. It requires a balance between realistically managing the natural talent and true potential (not always immediately evident) of the student, their belief in their capabilities, and their personality. It's a reciprocal transaction that can achieve the most incredible results when both parties work together to the best of their abilities – and one that is often as rewarding for the mentor as for the student.
For this issue I’ve spoken to some great mentors from quite different careers to bring you their perspective on the experience. All speak of the reward they gain from encouraging students, young or old, to step on a stage and perform in a way that transcends their own expectations of themselves. A good teacher can unlock a confidence in the performer that will bolster them forever, and not just as a dancer. Once that passion is ignited the pupil is forever changed - and that's a mighty achievement for the mentor.
Aaron Cash
- Choreographer for Ballet Revolucion; judge for So You Think You Can Dance Australia
“The greatest gift my dance teacher, Clarrissa Hill, gave me was the love of dance.
“I love to pass on my knowledge and passion for the art. But as I don’t teach that much any more, other than the occasional master class, mentoring is more along the lines of what I do.
“The best gift is to see students 'get' something for the first time, whether it’s the simplest thing or 10 pirouettes. Before they stepped into your classroom they hadn’t accomplished this breakthrough, but through your guidance something has clicked and they’ve taken another step closer to achieving their goal.
“I’ve been blessed over the years to pass on the little bit I know to some wonderfully talented people who are now living and working all over the world, passing on their passion for dance. I often think about the dance “blood lines” that run through all our bodies. There are very few degrees of separation between us in our world. These “dance blood lines” connect us to the greatest teachers of all time and in all forms of dance.
“I’m currently coaching nine-year-old Angelina Capozzoli. This young lady is something special! Every day she makes me remember why I love dance. Through teaching her I honour all my teachers and mentors. Now, through her they will keep living on.”
Lisa O’Dea
- Choreographer West Side Story WA Academy of Performing Arts 2014; Choreographic Supervisor for Mary Poppins.
“It is always a great pleasure and privilege for me to have the opportunity to work with tertiary students who are both passionate and desperate to be a part of the industry. Recently I was invited over to WAAPA to teach the second and third year music theatre students. I have worked alongside many WAAPA graduates over the years but it was wonderful to be part of the internal formative undergraduate journey. One of the great benefits of an educational environment is that the stepping-stones to the end result have a different clock on them and I really enjoy teaching with that sense of nurturing and extra time. It’s a liberty you don’t always have professionally.
“The overall commitment, curiosity and hunger of the students was inspiring, and I found the spirit and culture of the institution very reassuring. Training performers to be triple threats and confident across all areas is very much front and centre on the agenda. The students were eager and open to try everything I threw at them. They learnt from me, and vice versa, and the experience was rewarding from beginning to end.”
Marko Panzic
- Creative director and choreographer
"I am a very passionate teacher. My first love for dance was found in the dance studio and I highly respected my teachers Alison Cotteral and Bernie Bernard, so I understood [from the beginning] the importance of having great teachers who are passionate to pass on their knowledge. I love travelling and teaching across Australia -- it brings me the most joy. I also feel it is important for me to educate, develop and pass on as much information from my career as I can to the next generation as this will only keep the Australian dance industry growing. I am all about knowing where you come from and passing on your life lessons to the younger generation.
“Teaching is a huge part in my life. I was always a teacher before becoming a dancer/ choreographer. It is something that continues to challenge me. It is a huge privilege to teach. Not every dancer/ performer can teach and enjoy it, but I fell in love with it at a young age. My biggest reward was seeing my students grow and experience joy from class. I feel all teachers should know the importance of what they are passing on and know that it is a true gift to be able to do what we do. I am thankful that I am a dance teacher.”
Matthew Caldwell-Diaz
- Competition Director: KAR Kids Artistic Revue
I’ve always had a strong passion for dance ever since my mum took me to see musicals when I was six years old.
Joining Kids Artistic Revue (KAR) has not only fulfilled my passion for dance but has allowed me the opportunity to pay it forward and assist young dancers in reaching their own dance dreams. I believe that creating a supportive and nurturing environment where dancers can learn and thrive is truly remarkable and will have an everlasting effect on their dance careers.
KAR is a new national dance competition on the Australian dance calendar which celebrates not only the achievements of dance students but dance teachers,choreographers and parents. This year’s KAR program also features two elite dance mentors: Cris Judd (dancer for Michael Jackson) and Brooke Lipton (assistant choregrapher fpr Glee and dancer for Britney Spears). It also offers workshops and opportunities to be mentored by industry professionals.
“KAR promotes the charity Circle of Hope, which provides assistance to dancers who have or have survived cancer. KAR kicks off a national tour in Australia in Sydney in September so check this website for more information. www.dancekar.com.au