So you want to dance: Part 14 of series Postings discussion This link allows you to see others thoughts on this piece and contribute to the debate yourself if you want. We look to guarantee this link for a number of years, though after 3-6 months the page may be closed to further additions. Ballet.co's Doing Dance forum reviews by Anjuli Bai

It is true, and it can be a good idea. In fact after a while it is a very good idea.

What do you mean "after a while?"

I think that a beginner should stay with one teacher for at least the first year or two. That will give consistency in how the work is presented, in how to think about it, and it helps to keep the student from getting confused by different methods before the student is able to have a firmer judgment about different ways of doing things. So, that's the advantage of staying with one teacher for the first couple of years. But, much after that, there can be disadvantages.

If the teacher is good, why would there be a disadvantage to staying with that one good teacher?

No matter how wonderful a teacher is there will always be an area or two in the technical vocabulary that the teacher is either not covering or doesn't cover enough. But it's also that each teacher has a fairly specific way of presenting material, it can be as recognizable as a thumbprint. This usually happens without her realizing it. For instance, she might always start a glissade to the side with the back foot. Something as simple as that will get the student used to always beginning a glissade with the back foot and then when asked by subsequent teachers to start with the front foot, the student has to make an adjustment.

The body loves to fall into rote movement - it's programmed to do that.

It is?

Well, yes. We are programmed to walk without thinking about it. The body looks for similarities, the muscles and brain learn and then it's on automatic pilot. That gives us the freedom to think about other things whilst we are walking. Watch how carefully a baby concentrates when it first begins to walk. But once we do that, unless we are hurt, we don't think about how to walk any longer - we just do it.

Is this true of dance?

The dancer needs to be ready to adjust to anything that is asked of her/him. But if you are always instructed to begin a glissade with the back foot, when suddenly asked to do it with the front foot, confusion sets in.

Every teacher, no matter how great, has certain set ways and methods she is surely not even aware of. But aside from muscle patterns, the teacher presents a palette of thought patterns that are unique - certain ways to think about things.

So you think I should have a second teacher?

If you are not a brand new beginner, if you are into your second or third year of study, I think you should definitely consider it. Ideally, one teacher should compliment the other. If one teacher emphasizes adage, then find a second teacher who emphasizes allegro. It would also be interesting to take class from a second teacher who is a different gender. Men and women move differently, and it can be fascinating and instructive to take classes from both. There is much to be learned as a woman from a male teacher and vice versa. It introduces a new perspective.

It's also a good idea to dance in another studio. Sometimes we get so used to a particular studio that a new room is a bit disorienting. Dancing in rooms of different sizes and shapes presents a new learning experience.

But, you know, my teacher might get angry or hurt if I take class from another teacher.

That's true. Many teachers do feel threatened when the student takes class from an additional teacher or two. However, if she really thinks about it, she should feel happy that it was she who inspired you to continue and expand your studies. Taking class from an additional teacher is not a rejection of the first teacher. It's an expansion of the student's horizons. A good teacher will understand that - she probably did it herself when she was a student. I've never heard of a dancer who was the sole product of one particular teacher. It may have happened, but I've never heard of it. There may have been one particularly important teacher in that dancer's life, but most probably not the one and only teacher.

A good teacher will want you to expand your studies and she'll be proud to know that she has been a catalyst for that.

Should I tell my teacher?

That's a very interesting question. I'm not sure that one should make a point of going up to the teacher and making an issue of telling her. But, certainly if the issue comes up in a natural way, then certainly - honesty is best. You shouldn't feel defensive about it and the teacher shouldn't make you feel defensive. If it comes up, let her know that it was she who inspired you to expand your studies.

However, I should caution you to never make statements in class that compares the methods and manners of the various teachers whose classes you attend. Discussion in class that includes such statements as: "My other teacher says this or my other teacher does it differently" - just invites an unfriendly atmosphere. It sets the teachers up as antagonists.

When one teacher does things differently - just add that to your repertoire of knowledge. You can, however, ask for clarification such as: "I have seen pirouettes done a bit differently, can you please tell me why you wish them done as you are requesting. I would really value knowing your thoughts on this." When a teacher is asked for her insight in a way that is truly a quest for knowledge, she can't help but respond positively.

Just let her know by your attendance in her class, your interest in her instruction that she is important to you and that you value her. A good teacher will respond accordingly.