New Year Goal-Setting for Belly Dance Teachers

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Right about now you are probably busy with Holiday preparations. You might be thinking about your New Year goals or they may be taking a backseat to the more pressing matters of the holiday season. Take a moment today or tomorrow, soon, to think about and write down your goals for the New Year. As a belly dance teacher, you are in a unique position to help others with their New Year goals while you plan your own.

I know it can sometimes be a daunting task. It is also exciting! For me, goal-setting is a process. It starts with a big idea and ends with a list of measurable tasks. It begins with a lofty idea, a dream, if you will. Starting with the end in mind and working backwards really helps to clarify desires and strategize planning. Then I begin to define my desires and this step begins to look more like a goal.  Then I set measurable factors to it. This usually involves setting a time frame for each goal or part of the goal. Being able to measure your progress is paramount to staying motivated.

About this time every year, I start to put my goals into more concrete terms, reflecting on the challenges of the past year. I usually have three sets of goals: dance goals, professional goals, and personal goals. Dance goals are things that I want to achieve as a dancer and artist. Professional goals are things that I want to achieve in my business or as a teacher. Personal goals are things that have nothing to do with my dance or business. They are for me and my family. Sometimes the goals intersect; sometimes they don’t. It’s great when they do!

In past years, I have had to narrow down my focus.  I tend to dream big. I have a lot of fun fantasizing about things I’d like to do. I’m always coming up with new and exciting projects. Some of my big dreams have included:

Open a dance studio: In 2009 I started my current business, Mosaique, and in 2012 I acquired a dedicated studio space.

Publish a book: Oriental Dance Curriculum was released June 2015.

Teach at a major belly dance festival: I was selected to teach at the 2015 Las Vegas Belly DanceIntensive.

My "Dream Big" process helps me get to the heart of my life’s purpose. Too many interests and an over-active imagination are not bad things, but it makes it really difficult to focus and take action. This is my strength and it is also my weakness. I have learned that in goal-setting for any purpose, focus is the key. Narrow down your goals to a few key measurable tasks, and you could be on your way to achieving your dreams.

First, you will need to define what it is you want to accomplish in different areas of your life: dance/art, professional and personal. I feel when all of these things align (or at least do not conflict), you are most likely to achieve success in all areas. Feel free to modify your definition of these categories.

Once you have figured out what you want to do, write it down. Say it aloud to yourself and to others. Defining it and talking it out accomplishes two very important things. First, it helps you articulate your goal so that it is measurable and achievable. Second, it sends a message to your brain and to the universe that this is not just an idea in your head. It is a real achievable thing. Even if you’re dreaming bigger than what you end up actually doing, you are reaching for your highest potential. Isn’t this ultimately what we want to accomplish?

As I write this for you, I am thinking about my own goals for 2016. This year, I am motived in different ways than I was a year ago. My 2016 goals are centered around things I struggled with this past year. I have realized that as I get older, my body and my mind don't function the way they used to. I feel like I was hit really hard with symptoms of aging. This has manifested in ways I have never experienced before.

I would like to share my 2016 goals with you. This is my way of putting it in writing and sending out to the Universe.

I try to organize my goals in a way that I can measure, and with a high level of control. This way I am accountable. I am responsible, not any other individual or outside factors. After I have defined my goals in the three areas of my life, I will go back and set additional measures and very specific actionable items that I will do for each goal. In essence, for each big goal, I will list several mini-goals that will lead to the big one. Notice in my “Dance Goal” I am keeping my expectation small. This small increase in my dance activity just for myself, is in addition to the hours I usually spend creating lessons, drills and choreography for my students. By making this tiny change, I am less likely to become overwhelmed or feel like I failed. This way, it’s not so daunting.

If you haven’t started defining and clarifying your 2016 goals, now is the perfect time to jot down some ideas. In the next few weeks you can start to narrow down your focus. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1.     Reflect on what you struggled with in the past year and what you would like to improve.

2.     Start with the end in mind.

3.     Think Big. Act small.

4.     Break down your big goals into several small tasks.

5.     Create measures and set time frames.

Remember to focus. If you’re like me (and most dancers I know), you’re always working on yourself. You have a lot of different interests. Try to choose a few things to work on for now. Next year, you’ll do it all over again, but with new wisdom, experience and perspective.

I wish you much success and happiness in your dance and teaching endeavors. Here’s to a fantastic 2016! Cheers!

Are You Ready to Teach Belly Dance?

How Do You Know You’re Ready to Start Teaching?

It’s a question many dancers ask when they consider the next step in their career.

Experience, training, technique and essential knowledge are obvious requirements on your checklist. But as every new teacher discovers, teaching requires so much more we wish we knew before we jumped into it.

1. Do you have enough material, ie. a curriculum for one year’s worth of classes for each level and type of class you intend to teach? Even if you teach only a beginner class, you will need to offer variety in some way to keep students coming back.

This is the “what” of teaching. You will need to know if you are going to teach primarily choreography, combinations, or technique. Of course, you are allowed to change it up as you go. But you will need to have some kind of organization, plan and progression so that students don’t get confused and feel a sense of achievement. If you have a long-term plan, you will avoid many of the problems new teachers face with burn out and the ‘honeymoon’ phase of teaching.

2. Do you have enough of a music collection to support your curriculum for each level and type of class? Again back to variety. You will need to keep student’s interest.

A good variety of music is required for any teacher’s repertoire. You will need music for practice and drills, as well as for choreography for different levels. You may also consider music for different styles of dance that you teach. Music is as important to your teaching as the moves.

3. Do you understand the needs of students at various skill levels, interests and experience? Ex. beginner, serious hobbyist, intermediate, fitness/recreational student. Knowing when and how to introduce certain skills and topics is absolutely essential in reaching your student level.

Students have different needs and interests at different levels of experience. You will also need to consider the ages and abilities of students. Most new beginner students are not going to be ready or interested in performing  a full choreography of a classic Egyptian song. However, they may be interested in learning how basic moves are interpreted in such a performance.

4. How’s your fitness level? Do you have the physical and mental stamina and energy to talk, dance and be a leader for at least one hour? How about 2 or 3 hours? You will need to dance, talk, think and observe all at once for up to one hour or more. This takes practice and a higher fitness level than the average belly dance student.

Practice dancing and talking at the same time. This will go a long way to help you become confident in dancing, talking and observing at once. My personal rule is, I need to practice twice the energy level that is required for the real “gig,” ie. If I am teaching a 1-hour class, I need to be able to dance and talk for 2 hours continuously. This takes practice to do successfully and confidently.

5. How’s your patience? Do you have patience with people and with yourself, or do you get easily frustrated?Teachers need to be patient, especially when the indicators of a student’s progress are subtle. A teacher should have knowledge of the learning process and be aware that not all students will progress at the same rate, in the same way or with the same goals and motivation.

Not all students learn at the same pace. You will need to recognize when a particular student needs more time to develop the skills you are teaching, while encouraging them nonetheless.

6. Do you stay abreast of the belly dance industry and have knowledge of the business of teaching dance? As a professional in the industry, it is your job to know about products, events and resources available to you and your students.

The industry is constantly changing in some ways, yet stays the same in other ways. You will need to keep up with the new events and trends of the greater community, to be successful in an ever-evolving world.

7. Are you willing to smile, speak in public and be enthusiastic, even when you don’t feel like it? Sometimes you just want to call in sick or not go to class. Unless you are sick and contagious, you can’t just cancel class anytime you feel bad.

Some days you just want to come home from world, have a glass of wine and curl up with your cat. When you teach others, you have an additional responsibility to fulfill your role. It is job just like any other, though probably more fun than any other.

8. Are you organized and reliable? Can people count on you to show up on time and be professional? Students rely on you and pay you to teach them. This is your job. Be there and do your job well. Remember, it’s fun!

Even in a fun profession, there is professionalism and responsibility. We may become close with our students and we tend to blur the lines between teacher and friend. Regardless, you are a professional and need to conduct your classes as such.

9. Are you willing to give? Even when you really need nurturing yourself? As a teacher, you must be willing to give of yourself. Encouraging others is a big part of the job, even when what you need most is a hug from a friend. Please do not burden students with your problems. That’s what #10 is for.

Students are there to get away from the stresses of life, get exercises, do something fun and important for themselves. You will need to be there for them. I have found that the benefits of being the student or the teacher are mutual.

10. Do you have a support system, social life or a stress outlet outside of belly dance? Because teachers need encouragement and advice too, you must find an outlet that is just for you and your needs, so that you are not tempted to share inappropriately with your students.

If you feel good about your answers, you’re on your way. If you’re dedicated to this vocation, ready to learn on the job and you’re willing to make a lot of mistakes (at least in the first few years) AND learn from them, I can almost guarantee that you will be a successful belly dance teacher. Keep it up and you will have a long career and many happy students.

For more information, visit Belly Dance Teacher-Training: www.raqsmosaique.com

Get the full interview podcast on the Belly Dance Geek Clubhouse:  Geek Out with Katayoun! 

Get the book, Oriental Dance Curriculum Volume 1: A Complete Guide for the Belly Dance Teacher

Secrets of Successful Belly Dance Teachers, Part 2

Secrets of Successful Belly Dance Teachers, Part 2

In part 1 of Secrets of Successful Belly Dance Teachers, I outlined good traits of any successful person.  In part 2, I highlight the secrets of successful belly dance teachers that are more (or less) specific to the belly dance industry and art form.

1. Knowledge of the cultural roots of belly dance.  All belly dance styles originate in traditional, folkloric and social dances. This is not an opinion. Belly dance did not fall from the sky. Our movements come from a colorful array of cultural dances. The more you know about the cultural origins of the movements and music, the more inspiration and enjoyment you will derive and also give in your teaching. Your classes will be more interesting with more variety.

2. Continually learn, evolve and grow. A successful belly dance teacher dedicates time, effort and yes, money, to her continuing education. Education can be further study in belly dance or it could mean taking up a whole new dance form or activity.  While most of us will focus our energies on belly dance-related studies, don’t underestimate the benefits of learning any new creative endeavor where you are a student, experiencing the learning process.

3. Participate in the local belly dance community.  We know that networking is important and it builds bridges.  If you make it a point to attend at least a few community events each year, you’re doing great.  Be sure also attend events where you are not dancing and show your support. It’s quite nice to sit back and enjoy the show without being in it.

4. Encourage and support other teachers and dancers. When we build others up, everyone benefits. When we discourage or criticize others, it hurts everyone, most of all, ourselves. If you can’t think of anything nice to say, think harder. There are many ways to be diplomatic and positive. Try to find the potential in everything and everyone for mutual benefit. And if you can’t find it, let it go and focus on the wonderful things you envision. Many situations can become win-win even if it appears they are not.  But you will never know if you don’t explore the possibilities. No one will ever take your piece of the pie if you believe there is infinite pie.

5. Adapt. It’s natural to blame outside factors when our plans fail. I’ve experienced them all. “Zumba is threatening my class enrollment.” “The teacher from the other side of town is poaching on my students.” “I can’t get anyone in my class because people around here think belly dance is sleazy,”  “My students don’t take the class seriously or are not reliable.” While these reasons may be totally legitimate, blaming others doesn’t make your life any easier and you won’t become any more successful. Times change, trends change, people change…you need to change too. Evolve and go with the flow, try again. Ask why? Be open to the answers you discover and remember number #2. Learn, evolve grow. You are worth the effort and the world deserves your talents. So don’t give up if you love what you do. Ask questions, explore new things and learn ways to adapt to the changing world.

These are just some of the traits and habits of successful belly dance teachers. Next time, I’ll share things I wish I had known as a new teacher.

Secrets of a Successful Belly Dance Teacher

Welcome to my blog! My goal is to help you learn the tools of the belly dance teaching trade, and get the training and support you need to be the best teacher you can be.

For the first post, I’ve chosen a topic that will help both new and experienced teachers. Let’s talk about what makes a successful belly dance teacher.

 

Do you ever wonder why some teachers are more successful than others? Do you look at your successful colleagues with envy? What is so special about their classes? Are they better dancers than you? Do they have more experience or are more popular? Maybe. Maybe not.  While good dancing, experience and being a positive force in the community are all relevant, there are likely other factors that contribute to one's success (or not) as a respected belly dance teacher.

Some things come naturally to some people than others. Most of us, who enjoy any measure of success, have had to work very hard and intentionally, to overcome our obstacles and challenges. You can do it too!

After years of networking and working with many teachers in different fields, I have observed that the most successful teachers, regardless of caliber, experience or location, share the same qualities and high standards.

1. Confidence – A successful teacher has confidence in himself or herself and believes in what her or she is doing. If you don't believe in yourself, you're going to have a tough time convincing students that you are worth their time and money. We all have our insecurities. Don't let your perceived or actual shortcomings hold you back from pursuing your dreams and aspirations. You are expected to learn along the way and fill your gaps of knowledge with continuing education. If you are teaching now or aspire to teach in the future, you likely feel you have something of value to offer. That is all you need to begin building your confidence. Everyone has to start somewhere.

2. A Defining Dance Story – A successful dance teacher is able to define and articulate his or her dance in a way that clearly connects to her background and training. Your dance style and philosophy are shaped and influenced by your teachers and personal history. Defining your dance is a culmination of the journey you have taken as a student, then as an artist and finally, a teacher. Even if you experienced bumps on the road, be respectful and proud of your journey. It is yours and yours alone.  Define your dance by making it the story of that unique journey. Everyone loves a good story, especially if they can relate to it.

3. Good Clean Marketing Materials – I know what you’re thinking. It’s probably the same thing I’m thinking, “Aaaargh, I hate sales pitches!” or “I’m not good at promoting myself” or my favorite, "I don't have the money for that." I am not even going to address advertising or marketing strategies. I’m just talking about having a nice package that is attractive, organized and informational, and that doesn't always mean expensive. A successful teacher has a website with nice pictures, complete information about classes, including city, state, specific location and a registration function. This might seem obvious, but I cannot tell you how many times I’ve visited a teacher's website, and I can’t even find in what state she teaches. Or the pictures are fuzzy, irrelevant or not representative of the dancer or the dance. You don’t need a slick high-end website.  A simple website is fine; information and visual appeal is essential.  Include your Dance Story, and a few good quality photos in costume (please, no porno faces or playboy lounge poses), and one or two in teaching attire. Unless you’ve reached the pinnacle of your teaching career, don’t have anything to share, or don’t have any future dance aspirations, you need a website.

4. Organized – Successful teachers plan ahead, often with a class syllabus and lesson plans. They provide handouts or make them available online. They present teaching material in a logical manner and pay attention to the clock. They have policies and guidelines that they share with their students.  They plan special events, they pay attention to details and they are always thinking two to four steps ahead. While improvisation and flexibility are needed too, organization is the glue that holds a program together and makes students feel like they are in good hands. If you’re naturally an organized person, this quality will really help you get far in your career. Capitalize on it every chance you get and demonstrate it in your marketing materials.  If organization is challenging for you, it’s not the end of your career. But you should definitely try to improve in this area.

5. Flexible – Successful teachers are flexible.  No, not that way. They are able to adapt to special circumstances. This is especially important, because we work in a field that is supposed to bring joy and fun. While we need our rules and policies to stay in business and to create a safe and enjoyable experience for all of our students, it is important to distinguish the times when we need to be sensitive to their individual needs, especially in extenuating circumstances. I’m not going to tell you what these circumstances should be.  You have to discover for yourself what those circumstances are in which you are OK bending the rules, and to what extent.  Be fair and consistent in your reasoning for allowing exceptions, but don’t make it habit to always bend the rules. Otherwise, what good are they?

6. Cares About Students - A successfully belly dance teacher genuinely cares about her students.  She wants her students to succeed. She shares her knowledge generously, encourages questions and offers praise. She is honest in her critique, but does so in a manner that is respectful, thoughtful and helpful. A successful teacher listens to her students and cares about their thoughts and opinions, even when she does not agree. If you only care about what teaching can do for you or your career, you will probably not be a happy teacher, and therefore, not very successful. Your students are not there to make you look good. Your job is to make THEM look good. Your students do not serve you. YOU serve your students. We don’t know that we care about our students until we begin working with them. But if you’re lucky, you will attract wonderful students who will inspire you as much as you inspire them.

7. Punctual and Reliable – You may not think this is a big deal, especially if you are spot on perfect with everything above, but…it matters. Being punctual matters a great deal. Being reliable is even a bigger deal. Let’s face it, if you are spot on perfect with all the points mentioned above, you already know this.  You don’t need me to tell you, that even before you begin teaching, being on time every time already gives the impression that you are organized, care about your students, and are confident in your teaching ability. When you are late or cancel class with short notice for personal reasons, other than a major illness, accident or death in the family, it gives the impression that you are disorganized or flaky, or worse, that you don’t have your life together.  But who does, right? That point is irrelevant when students have paid you to teach them. While you may get sympathy, it is not good for business. Of course, life happens. What is important to students is that these times are few and far between. While you may blame events that are totally out of your control, from a student perspective, it is all the same. They may stop coming, or they may not. But if they do drop out, you don’t want to be known as the teacher who is unreliable.

In Part 2, I will have many more secrets of successful belly dance teachers that you can apply and be successful, too. Stay tuned.