Dance with Integrity: The Heartbeat of Our Teaching Philosophy
In the world of dance, an unseen force profoundly shapes our craft: integrity. Brené Brown, a voice of wisdom on vulnerability and strength, writes, "Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them."
These words form the cornerstone of our mission. Each day presents us with choices that test our integrity. Do we opt for the easy route, or do we steadfastly adhere to our principles, even when faced with additional work, challenging conversations, or the need to step out of our comfort zones? The path of integrity may not be the simplest, but it is the one that allows us to rest easy at night.
Choosing courage over comfort pushes us to improve as educators, to explore new teaching styles, and to meet the diverse needs of each student. We enter our studios ready to tackle the day's challenges, not because it is always easy, but because fulfilling our lifelong dream to teach dance is deeply rewarding. Our students rely on us to lead by example, demonstrating that the true essence of dance extends beyond perfect execution to include the honesty and heart we bring to every class.
Integrity in teaching dance involves putting our students' growth first, above quick wins or shortcuts. We cherish the process of learning and personal development, rather than the immediacy of results. Our classrooms are where values of dedication, respect, and perseverance foster an environment for success.
By upholding these values, we guide our students not just in dance, but in life. We teach them that their value lies not in accolades but in the bravery of each attempt, the resilience developed from each setback, and the life lessons learned along the way.
As we embrace Brené Brown's insights in our teaching, let us commit to leaving a legacy in our dancers' hearts and minds, defined by the integrity we integrate into every lesson. Let us be the dance teachers and studio owners who make the right choices, who boldly live our values, and who dance with integrity at every turn. Have an awesome day and enjoy the journey--Rhee
