Having a new teacher in class can be an awesome experience for any student, and especially a performing arts student!  Because the arts are passed down from generation to generation and learned from person to person, every teacher’s perspective and delivery offers something special.  Whether it’s the way they introduce a concept or how they explain a correction, a teacher’s unique viewpoint can truly light up a child’s learning experience.

Just like classes at school, our classes may have new teachers in place at the beginning of the season, in the new semester, or if a teacher requires a substitute during the year.  Here at Ambition Performing Arts, we understand that having a new dance teacher can be fun for some students and nerve-wracking for others.

Young dancer ready for a new year of classes with a new teacher!

It’s important to remember that if your child is feeling anxious about having a new teacher, those feelings are completely normal!  And there are a few things you can talk to your child about to ease their mind and make the transition smooth:

New teachers are going to be different—but in a positive way

Going into class with an open mind is key to having a positive experience with a new teacher!  Talk to your child about the kinds of things they might learn from a new teacher, or what they want to know about that person.  Remind them that the previous teachers they’ve loved were once new to them too!  With time, this new relationship will develop and feel more secure.

Having a new teacher is great practice for school

It’s reassuring for your child to know that this won’t be the only time in their life that they meet a new teacher. The arts classroom is a great place to practice getting to know someone new because we all already have something awesome in common: We love to create! Finding those shared likes right away helps build the teacher-student bond no matter where you are.

A new teacher is eager to get to know their students

We know that any new teacher at Ambition Performing Arts is going to be excited to get to know the students in their class! Talk to your child about how to show that they want to make a great impression, perhaps by raising their hand to answer a question or giving the teacher an extra “thank you” when class time is over. A new teacher will appreciate the extra effort as they are getting to know each student.

We also suggest that you explain to your child that their teacher is probably a little nervous too!  Everyone will feel more comfortable once the learning begins. The arts unite us all in a pretty special way. It helps us connect as humans, and gives us the confidence to try new things and welcome new people into our lives!

Trying new things and meeting new people help us embrace great things!