MY DD has a problematic teacher this year and with everything being virtual, it makes it even tougher. I've heard that TWSB is not receptive to poor teacher feedback, but this particular instructor was brought to my attention by my husband who was concerned with how she was "picking" on a student (Not my DD) and since then I've noticed she's brought more than one student to tears in these last few weeks. I'm not sure if she's inexperienced with this particular age group or just doesn't like it, but I'm finding myself giving my DD pep talks before class and to "ignore" her accusatory comments. Her ballet instruction also feels off, she'll have them hold a pose for long periods of time just to speed through the rest of the counts to catch up with the exercise.
My DD has had her fair share of strict instructors and has loved them all, but this one is different. Have any of you said something to management there regarding an instructor? What was done? |
This sounds exactly like ballet training. Not a teacher issue. |
Contrary to PP, I think you need to trust your instincts, given you and your child have had many teachers who were strict.
If you know the other families, ask them what they think of this teacher. Perhaps also ask parents of more advanced kids whether this teacher has always had this style of teaching. There's a small chance it could be due to the online nature of classes, but truthfully, it's probably her usual style. |
Do not start a parent war with the director. If you are the ring leader of a parent group bringing up "issues" your daughter is done. If you or your child has a problem. Then make a one to one appointment and speak like adults. My two cents, long holds are how you teach balance for turning and pointe work. Ballet criticism is harsh and most kids will wash out at about the level these holds come into class. Be ready to hear that feedback. |
The long holds seem more to do with her trying to get a good look at everyone which gets her off count with the music, causing her to rush through the remainder of the exercise. It doesn't feel like an additional exercise to build strength. The demonstrator, who is a company member has even gotten confused and lost... And honestly, this isn't what bothers me: It's accusations over critiques and "public humiliation." Her teaching style feels more align with Dance Moms and less like what we've experienced in our many years at TWSB. It's entirely possible that this is what happens as she advances. I'm certainly not trying to start a war, just find a productive way forward. While I can't see my DD quitting over this teacher, I am seeing less and less students sign on every week. |
OP, what level? For little kids, management might be more receptive to feedback. Older girls, no way. Their way or the highway. |
Level 2. So not older, but not a wee kid either and they are supposed to be preparing them for pointe next year. I think I'll keep my mouth shut (for now) and see if my DD can't soften her with kindness and eagerness to learn. |
Level 2 - yep. With an accent, correct? |
That's a tricky age. I would trust your instincts. I do think there is a very firm line between strict ballet instruction and bullying/body judgment. I would not tolerate the latter. If a teacher is trying to break students or is making comments about their bodies, even if those comments are couched about a bodies suitability for ballet, I do not think it is appropriate and the risk of long-term damage is high. Especially with younger girls, who will internalize those comments. The vast majority of these students, even at TWSB, will never dance professionally. They may dance in college and may dance semi-professionally as an adult, but most are not going to wind up in a ballet company. Learning the discipline of ballet can be enormously rewarding, and I have very fond memories of some of my most serious instructors, the ones with the highest expectations who really pushed me to focus and master my skills. I learned so much from them that went beyond ballet and has helped me in many parts of life. But the ones who fixated on my turnout (which was never going to professional caliber, I am not built that way) or made comments about my weight or proportionality? Those are the voices I heard in my head in my 20s when I struggled with self-esteem and eating issues. And for what? Those comments didn't help me learn ballet. And the issues with my body were always going to keep me from dancing at the next level, whether those teachers had been cruel or kind. Ballet is what it is, and you aren't doing a girl a favor by making her feel there is something wrong with her. The industry will reject her, and she will move on. Sorry about the long post; I just have strong feelings about this kind of behavior from ballet instructors. Trust your gut, OP. These virtual classes are a good opportunity to make sure your daughter isn't being exposed to damaging ideas about women's bodies. |
PP again. If we're talking about the same teacher, this is her style, nothing to do with online. I find that she's actually softer online, probably because she's aware that parents are listening in. Many TWSB kids drop out at/ after Level 2.. |
I see. I'll take my DD's cue and if she can get through classes still loving ballet without liking her teacher then I think it's a valuable life lesson. I hope this is what happens. I've never had to "force" her to finish out a year before and hopefully I won't have to here. She has surprised me in the past with her resilience. I was forced to do ballet as a child in Russia so I may be projecting. Thank you all. Good feedback in generally. |
It sounds like her job is to begin separating the wheat from the shaft. You may be the consumer,; but they are in charge. |
That is exactly what this is about. |
We're not at TWSB but our school has a couple of teachers who teach there also. If it's the same one I'm thinking of, my DD had her at a similar level and also struggled with the teaching style. It was a tough year, even for a kid who loves ballet more than anything in the world. She used to call the kids names in Russian, not realizing one of the students was bilingual, and told one of the girls that "ballerina's grow up, not out." Many parents complained and the AD had to get involved. They must have come to an agreement because she's still there but doesn't teach kids anymore, just adults.
I had assumed she was so hard on them because they didn't meet the standards she was accustomed to at TWSB, but it sounds like maybe that's just the way she is. |
OMG, PP here again, that is most definitely her. I know she teaches at another school/ schools in the area (Ballet Nova maybe?), and she pulled the same crap when she started teaching Level 2 at TWSB two or so years ago. Many parents complained, and lots of kids left. You would think that leadership might take notice, especially since TWSB funds the company, but no. That teacher has some Mariinsky connections that got a few TSWB students to perform with them in minor roles at the KC a couple of years ago, so I guess that makes her too valuable. (She actually only ever danced in regional former Soviet Union companies, nothing particularly impressive.) |