Day 2. Strathcona.
Second day. Got a group of grade 3s to work with. The young ones are so much easier than pre-adolescents. Did a little ‘follow-the-leader’ dance in a circle formation. Kicks. Turning. Squat & jumps. Then, threw in the “chasse” and “weight changes” in a simplified Cha Cha LD.
First group of 7s was a challenge from the get-go. 7 girls. 16 boys. Daunting? Hmm, yes, but I like the odds. Question is, how do I break through their anxiety layers? Have to do it now, lesson 2, while I still have the advantage. So, I picked out one lad. Let’s call him Felix (not his real name).
Felix sported a razor thin Mohawk, bright white hoodie, matching runners, and a roll of the eyes that said he’d had enough of “this” before it even began. He was, in a word, COOL! Problem was, he didn’t care to make much effort at getting into the class. Everyone waited while he shed a layer and sauntered the 30-or-so feet to join the group. This was my chance.
“The whole class is waiting for you, sir. Yes, you,” I announced.
His look was one of delayed disregard. He sauntered all the more.
That was all it took. I made the point to him, and to the class, that such casual, dismissive behaviour wasn’t going to get him where he wanted to go. And, where did he want to go? No answer.
It didn’t matter. For you to grow, you have to be “present”. In the moment. Engaged. By showing a general malaise, you’re putting up a shield that keeps the outer world out, while locking you into whatever shell you’ve chosen.
“All I ask is that you give YOURSELF a chance. A chance to experience something new. Something different. Allow yourself to step outside that ‘comfort zone’ you’ve forged and get uncomfortable for a few moments. Then, and only then, will you grow.”
It took most of the class. But, I think he did engage. I took every opportunity to encourage it. Him and 3 or 4 others in the same space.
Funny thing. Their teacher told me later in the day how much his kids raved about the class. And, how what I did for Felix was a good thing. Peace, out.
