Ballet Beat
The Fall- Things to Expect Over the Beginning Weeks
Katrina Muffley, Ballet Instructor
It is hard to believe our summer months have so quickly come and gone. Being originally from Southern California, I do love the summer season, despite how hot and humid New York City can be. However, as a teacher, the beginning of fall is one of my favorite times of the year. It is a time when children go back to school, which for a teacher means you get to reunite with your students after what you hope was a wonderful and fun filled summer. The beginning of fall and a new school semester is also a time to be introduced to new families, new students, and in my case, new dancers. The best way for me to describe the first few weeks of dance classes at Discovery is through the song, “Getting to Know You” (The King & I).
At Discovery, most of my students are very young, between the ages of 2-5. Some have taken classes before independently, without their parent or guardian present, and some have not. Because of this, the beginning of the semester is a time to work with parents, guardians, and students to ease into the idea of separation- a small transitional stepping stone that will help each student in other areas of their day (preschool, art class, dance class, meeting friends). In the end, my hope as a teacher throughout these weeks of class is for my students to experience dance, and movement in both a positive, and inviting light. I hope “ballet class” is one they take home to share with their families, and an experience they look forward to throughout their week.
discovery programs 2024