What to expect from teachers at comps

[pnoisette]

Would like to hear from those competing in pro-ams about what to reasonably (and I am emphasizing reasonably) expect from your teacher/ partner at competitions. I have heard and seen instances of teachers who don't turn (unable to wake up after late night partying) at heats, and those who are so busy socializing and flirting with people other than their students they can't keep track of when they need to go on.

On the other hand I have seen some very, very caring teachers who are with their students, offering encouragement, having meals together, making sure they have water, keeping warm etc.

At a recent comp I sat with a woman who was a newcomer who didn't have a clue as to what was going on--what the heats were, heat lists, what was expected of her or when she was supposed to go on. Her teacher was flitting around and had clearly not bothered to prepare her or even be around for her debut which was quite sad particularly since she was alone. I am not talking about what some male teachers derisively refer to as "wanting to be babied," but wondered what are some of the things dance students, especially newbies, can expect from their pros.

I am not sure if this is a gender thing, but on the whole from what I've observed, women teachers seem to be much better at taking care of their students, although there are a couple of men teachers I've seen who are also very supportive of their students.

 

[NURDRMS]

My pro is excellent in this regard, although I did spend a considerable amount of time reading comments on competitions from other more knowledgeable folks from this forum before I participated in my first competition. We all (the pro, his other students and I) sit down before the day's events and review our heat sheets, pinpointing 'problem areas' where he will be immediately transitioning from one of his students to another. He lets us know what time he's planning to have his meals and makes sure we feel welcome to join him if we want. And I have, on occasion, borrowed his jacket when I've been sitting too long between events and gotten chilled. I have nothing but great things to say about how he treats us during competitions!

 

[latingal]

This is so teacher dependent. But what do I reasonably expect out of my pro when dancing pro-am?

I do expect that if I am a newbie that my teacher prepare me as to what to expect in my first comp. Pros can be very busy just getting the students ready to dance for their comps, but I would expect them to either sit down and have a discussion with the new student before the comp (on lesson time) or point the student to an experienced and willing pro-am student in their "circle" to discuss what to expect and how to prepare.

As for behavior at the comp, I think each student has to make their own judgement about what a professional should provide for competition. Because good pros normally have multiple students competing on the same day, a pro-am student sometimes has to take the initiative to get themselves ready for thier events (which can include warming themselves up, tracking the current heat and when they are to compete, etc.). However, on the basic level, I do expect the pro to be tracking the heats, to be prepared and in good shape to dance the heats, and to "escort" the student during the awards portion of the program.

As for the pros who are especially attentive to their students during their comp experience, more power to them!! Some pros will indeed socialize/take meals with their students, sit with them during the comp, and be attentive to their mental state and physical condition. Some of these pros charge a lot of money, and if they provide a level of service where a student feels "looked after", I think they will find their customer satisfaction rises.

Given that, I also have to say, the pros I compete with at comps are wonderful. I think they honestly care that their students have a good competitive experience and are willing to put in the extra (but reasonable) time it might take to provide it!

 

[contracheck]

Would like to hear from those competing in pro-ams about what to reasonably (and I am emphasizing reasonably) expect from your teacher/ partner at competitions. I have heard and seen instances of teachers who don't turn (unable to wake up after late night partying) at heats, and those who are so busy socializing and flirting with people other than their students they can't keep track of when they need to go on.

On the other hand I have seen some very, very caring teachers who are with their students, offering encouragement, having meals together, making sure they have water, keeping warm etc.

At a recent comp I sat with a woman who was a newcomer who didn't have a clue as to what was going on--what the heats were, heat lists, what was expected of her or when she was supposed to go on. Her teacher was flitting around and had clearly not bothered to prepare her or even be around for her debut which was quite sad particularly since she was alone. I am not talking about what some male teachers derisively refer to as "wanting to be babied," but wondered what are some of the things dance students, especially newbies, can expect from their pros.

I am not sure if this is a gender thing, but on the whole from what I've observed, women teachers seem to be much better at taking care of their students, although there are a couple of men teachers I've seen who are also very supportive of their students.

I have a young female Pro-Am coach, I can say without hesitation that in general female coaches are better attentive to their students than the male coaches. It comes from the natural Maternal Instinct, which male coaches lack. My coach is amazingly good at preparing her students at the competitions. She gets all the meal tickets, entrance tickets, programs, video orders, etc., and make it sure that they place them in a safe place. She watches what her students eat, makes it sure that her sutdents show up at the floor 1/2 an hr before our sessions, checks our costumes, shoe strings, and grooming, and reviews the judges, floor orientation, and whom we should try to beat. While she is doing the above she also constantly reminds us over and over, "don't forget to smile," "shoulders down," "tummy in," "take time," "look left," etc., etc. Whenever possible she goes through the routines at a corner. I often tell her, "OK, I've heard it enough and it's too late to worry them now. I think you're more nervous thand I am." When our heats approach, she makes it sure that we hang out near the deck area. At next competition, she repeats these routines again, and I have not had a major mishaps yet. She does all these things even though she has a lot more complicated make up and dresses to put on.

 

[syncopationator]

Oftentimes you see at a competition where the student is called for their heat and the teacher is nowhere to be found. This is absolutely inexcusable. I can't help but feel terrible for the student when I see this happening. I think a reasonable level of attention should be expected by the student. Your pro is not there to cater to your every need, especially if they have other students dancing; however, they should spend a little time rehersing your routines (if you need it), know and be alert as to the schedule of your heats, and give you a little encouragement prior to getting on the floor.

 

[latingal]

I do like the fact that the word "reasonable" is being used here so often.

 

[Another Elizabeth]

It comes from the natural Maternal Instinct, which male coaches lack.

Perhaps it comes from experience with scatterbrained male students who would not be able to keep track of their own meal tickets and programs....

 

[mamboqueen]

lmao! touche!

 

[samina]

I have heard and seen instances of teachers who don't turn (unable to wake up after late night partying) at heats, and those who are so busy socializing and flirting with people other than their students they can't keep track of when they need to go on.

not professional behaviour at all -- i wouldn't give such a pro the time of day as a student or pro/am competitor.

my own pro is supremely professional & attentive, although he doesn't mother hen me like contracheck's. actually, i'm pretty self-sufficient and not very demanding -- i actually enjoy taking care of him when possible, out of respect & affection -- but he always has heat lists printed out and knows when we need to be in the ballroom. he's always prompt & completing prepared. he's dressed impeccably. i make sure he gives me a once-over and i seek out his feedback WRT my dress & makeup -- he has good instincts, even if not knowledgeable of the details. i find him attentive, considerate, have never heard anything negative from him before a comp -- he's clearly mindful of creating an encouraging ramp-up to performance -- and when i have done well, he has been very warm in his appreciation & congratulations.

really... nothing less than a class act. and i like him personally, so hanging out before & after is very pleasant.

 

[syncopationator]

I had a dream once, actualy a nightmare, that I was at a comp ready for my heat and my pro was nowhere to be found. I ended up missing the heat and when my pro showed up I let her have it. I woke up very angry and was glad when I realized it was only a dream, so I told my pro about the dream during our next lesson. The next competition she was in the ballroom very early and when I saw her she told me that I had made her very nervous with my dream and couldn't imgagine the thought of me ever being angry with her.

 

[samina]

The next competition she was in the ballroom very early and when I saw her she told me that I had made her very nervous with my dream and couldn't imgagine the thought of me ever being angry with her.

i like the fact that you told her about the dream & she responded. cute.

 

[mamboqueen]

I'm like you, Sam, self sufficient. I just need to know roughly when to be in the on-deck area. Other than that, just want his 100% on the floor.

Funny little thing in Manhattan...I got a little what-for about my walking out on the dance floor the wrong way...so, during the first round of the scholarship, after rumba, he gets in my face with this rather stern look about him and I'm thinking "oh crap, what did I do now?"...so I say "what are you doing?" and he says "Paso" and I say "it's jive". Heh...he cracked up as did I. I guess I shoud expect that he'll know what dances we're doing . But I have no complaints as he has been absolutely wonderful to compete with.

 

[contracheck]

my own pro is supremely professional & attentive, although he doesn't mother hen me like contracheck's. actually, i'm pretty self-sufficient and not very demanding -- i actually enjoy taking care of him when possible, out of respect & affection --

Known as Maternal Instinct. I bet my bottom dollar that you love horses and cats, too. More girls love horses and cats than boys do due to maternal instinct.

 

[mamboqueen]

Yes, we all want to run out and breastfeed a cat. For the love of Pete!

 

[contracheck]

I'm like you, Sam, self sufficient. I just need to know roughly when to be in the on-deck area. Other than that, just want his 100% on the floor.

I am independent, too, but I can't do anything what our coach does to us. I have no question in my mind she will become a good mother.