Being someone's idol and inspiration must have its pros and cons! When working with such young dancers do you become aware of those that look to you in this way? Thanks for putting yourself out there and allowing us to see things through your eyes!
Vanessa Miceli, dance mom
Happy Holidays!
The younger generation of dancers is definitely influenced by what is around them, especially their teachers. I realize that many of my students look up to me, and with that comes a tremendous amount of responsibility. I want to make sure my dancers are influenced in a positive way so it will help them achieve more in their careers and in life. I want to motivate them to go for what they want and not be lazy. In turn it pushes me to work harder so I can set a good example for these kids. If they see me working hard, I hope it pushes them to work harder than that.
“Children are clean slates that we all have the incredible opportunity to mold into some of the most impressive people we have ever known.” Opening a dance school was my opportunity. That’s how I see it. I hope my values shine through to these kids. Things like dedication, hard work and striving for your goals and dreams. One of the most important things I want my students to see is the importance of FAMILY. I am surrounded by family at the studio and I hope the students see how we work together and support each other. Self-esteem... so important!!! I am confident and happy with the person and dancer I have become, so I want my students to see this. If kids see that their role models are happy with who they are, then they are more likely to be happy with who they are. Confidence brings a performer to another level. I want my students to go to that level and beyond.
Along with sharing and telling my students about my accomplishments, I try to share my disappointments and failures with them as well. Letting them know how I dealt with being cut from an audition or making a mistake on stage in front of a big audience shows them that I am human and not the perfect dancer. I want them to know how to overcome adversity and get back in the game and do it better. Most of all, I want my students to know that I care about them and their dreams no matter what. I guess there are pros and cons but when I really think about it, I can't find many cons. What my students have given me in return is unparalleled. So many of them are accomplishing so many things in dance and in life, it makes me proud, very proud.
When my young dancers go into to the freestyle circle and mimic one of my moves, I smile really big on the inside and I am so proud. At the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror and know that in some way I got through to some of these kids, that I had an influence on their young lives. Something as simple as that makes me aware of my role in their lives. I am so proud to do what I do, and I love what I do... DANCE. Thank you so much for your question!
Be ICONic...GEO
See kids from ICON Dance Complex as they get ready for the Christmas Eve issue of gendance on December 24th, 2009
gendance gives you the chance to talk to him directly. Ignite your queries by asking for Geo’s advice. He cares. It shows. What’s your question? Tell Us Here
