A Better Winner.

AS DIRECTORS of competitions for more than twenty years, we have heard our share of rumors and rude remarks about other educators or dancers; we've learned to take each comment with a grain of salt. Since dance is an evolving art form, most likes and dislikes are matters of personal opinion. Often negative criticism has little to do with truth, and more to do with bad manners or limited experience, and even jealousy or resentment that is built up because of the success of others.

What we find really interesting is that teachers who spread rumors or express their distaste often victimize those who are the closest to them--a teacher who operates in the same town, someone they often compete against, sometimes even their students. It seems to be a way of justifying why someone else is successful or wins more awards. For example, if they find a negative reason why someone else wins, they may not feel as bad when they don't. We call ourselves educators; is this a life lesson that we should teach our young dancers? If we don't expose ourselves to those who are stronger or more innovative, how will we grow?. How will we move the dance community to a higher level?

We worry about the dance students. They look to us teachers as mentors and try to emulate our actions and manners. Dancers see their teacher as a person who knows what is right, so when a dancer hears his or her model tear down another school, teacher, or style, he or she will tend to imitate the action and attitude. Sometimes at a dance competition, we see a group of dancers stand and walk out of the auditorium when the "good school" enters, thus missing a learning experience. Instead of taking the opportunity to witness something that could make them stronger, they avoid seeing others' skills and styles. When awards are presented, they don't graciously applaud for their competitors.

Many of these dancers are from the same towns and attend the same academic schools, and resentment may carry into those arenas. Competition requires good sportsmanship. Education requires a willingness to learn from someone who knows more or has more skill. Dance community should be about appreciating others who love to do the same thing that we do.

TRY THIS

" ... Never is heard a discouraging word ... " Your dancers should hear you say only positive and encouraging words about your fellow educators or their schools. A teacher who congratulates others on their successes and extends compassion on their losses is a gracious human being and a true educator. Nothing influences a young mind more than to see his or her teacher congratulate the winning soloist or group on a job well done.

Strive to expose your dancers to the best talent. Use strong teachers and dancers as motivating forces--and you should learn from them, too. Take the knowledge you have gained from their experience, use it, and become a better teacher.

As an educator, you have a great responsibility. Our future dancers and educators model themselves on your manners and style. Help them to create a future full of appreciation for those who strive to be the best that they can be.