The teacher student relationship in the dance world is a special one. I’ve been thinking about why teachers in the dance world seem to hold a more important position than just any school teacher. I reckon it is because most students tend to follow one particular teacher for the whole of their dance education, to the extent that this figure of authority is likened to a parent.

From the perspective of a teacher, many do regard their students as their children, having taught them for years. Some of these students started out at 3 or 4 years of age and danced under the same teacher until they become grown women.

It is natural then, that when a student chooses to leave a dance studio in the middle of their dance education for varied reasons, there can be hurt feelings. Sometimes, relations can also be strained when students choose to take classes under several different teachers, implicitly suggesting that what their main teacher can offer them is insufficient.

While teachers may be demoralized when a student chooses to leave or learn under other teachers, I think students do benefit from different training styles. Some teachers have an eye for bringing out the performance quality in students while others are technicians and focus more on the exact way a step should be done. Some teachers work in a more relaxed casual manner while others are militaristic. Having exposure to these different styles helps a student to become more versatile and grow as a dancer.

At times too, teachers are unable to offer students better training. Those who wish to pursue careers as professional dancers will need to seek out places that can provide them with the necessary skills and technique to become one, as commercial dance studios do not offer the same rigor and opportunities that a professional dance school can.

It is also important that students and teachers have complementary personalities. When personalities clash, students are often unable to reach their fullest potential, as dancing is ultimately an art form that requires sincerity and emotion. A student is only able to fully embrace and own their art form in the presence of a teacher whom they love and trust.

Therefore, when it comes to the issue of loyalties, I feel that students can and should learn under several teachers as it often offers them new and fresh perspectives on dance technique. Sometimes a change of teacher can bring out the fullest potential in a student, and help them to blossom as dancers.