I just got notice of my first student withdrawing from class. Yes, first year teacher, I just feel like I must have missed something. The first day of class she was so excited and enjoyed class so much, then 2 weeks of not showing up and now a withdrawl from the class. She said it was too hard, maybe I should have had more fun stuff, but the class was age 10-14 beginners, so they caught on very fast and she didn't have a problem.

I guess I realize that not everyone is suited for dance, but the fact that this first year child is leaving and probably won't dance again is, in my opinion, such a loss.

Any words of wisdom or advice?

It is tough when you lose a student- even when you've been teaching for years - But it will happen. Especially with older students. If its not exactly how they pictured it most likely they won't return - and now a days with all these movies about instant success in the dance world, alot of kids (and parents) don't understand it is HARD work and have no interest in hard work - It has nothing to do with you.

My advice is to focus on the few students you still have- be encouraging of their progress, but don't sacrifice any standards to make the class more "fun" - For my older students (even beginners) I have them do serious work in class and the fun comes from some things like- splits competitions - who can hold a posistion the longest - who can do the most Clean jumps - etc. We only do it occasionally (usually around upcoming holidays)but they have alot of fun with it.

I'm sorry but I had to laugh. If you take every withdrawal this personally you will drive yourself crazy. Relax. Teach your classes to the best of YOUR ability. You will reach some, you will lose some. Some will love you, some will even talk poorly upon leaving. Let it be on them, not you. You will hopefully have a long, long successful career ahead and most likely will not even remember this student in a couple of years.

Have FUN with your job. You have the best job on Earth.

I am a first year teacher also and going through a similar situation only different age group. I had a Mom complain that her daughter doesn't want to come anymore. (found out later it was because freeze dance made her feel uncomfortable!) but the mom thought my class was too hard! I'm not compromising learning just to suit 1 Mom! Some kids just want to be able to dance without really having to learn! Chin up! And be grateful for the students that are there because they want to be!

Hugs...and now that that's over with...don't take it personally.

I used to wonder, "Where did I go wrong" when I was surprised by a student leaving, especially when I didn't see it coming. But after a while, you can almost count on loosing a certain percentage of beginners. In fact...you can count on loosing some every year.

The same thing happens with baseball, school clubs, and even church. People don't encourage their kids to "stick with" things when they get harder and they jump around trying all kinds of things and don't master much.

Just keep working on doing things the right way. And make sure that the drop outs know you will miss them and that they are welcome to "start over" next year. Don't let them drop in and out...they'll never learn anything and it is disruptive to everyone else.

Keep On Dancing
xoxo

Thanks for your advice. I know I am taking it a little too hard, but just not seeing it coming kind of put me off guard I guess.

Though this turned positive as of now, she is joining a younger class (around 8 and she is 11) to try it out. And I had a girl try the class for the first time today and she is taking her spot as she really enjoyed the class.

I guess you win some and lose some, but in the end I am sure I will have more leave, but then again more will join as well.