Dance Shows.. its that time of year

It's that time of year when dance teachers are busy.

With Christmas soon approaching, dance teachers are busy preparing for dance shows or any other stage show that has dance in it !

So far, every day this week I have been to a community dance show, with every night booked up for next week too.

Quite often we as dance teachers get so caught up in the whole organisation of the event that we forget why we are doing the show in the first place. It's hardly suprising as we spend most of the time back stage and dont even get to see the show ourselves.

A few years ago I organised childrens community dance shows, but as my dance school got bigger we outgrew many community venues. I also discovered the legalities of running such a show and decided not to puruse the shows on a grand scale due to lack of qualified volunteers and funding required to meet with regulations.

So, instead we have in-house shows. Keep them small and on a community vibe. Last night was the first time in years that I wasn't back stage and watched a show from start to end. I soon realised that these community shows are just as important to the performer than if the dancer was performing on a big theatre stage.

It's important to remember that any dancer who started to learn dance as a child had most probrably danced in a community show when then first started out. It's in these community shows where a dancer first learns lessons as a performer, builds confidence and after the event gains that sense of achievement. It is this that encourages them to continue to do better and gives them that determination to improve.

These are the crucial stepping stones to anyone who wants to become a better dancer and thank all the dance teachers out there who put all their efforts into organising these events for the community and for their students.

As I sit here on my cosy sofa surrounded by Christmas decorations, its a constant reminder that Christmas is about giving. So to all you dance teachers out there who give in so many different ways.. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope you accept my offer by letting me give to you an opportunity on www.dancemass.com