Hiroichi Tatekata's Danceable LIFE Vol. 4
Things you realize through "teaching"
Hirokazu Tatekata (Dancer/Choreographer)
I've been teaching jazz dance at a university for about three years now. It all started when I was invited to guest star as Carabosse in the Momoko Tani Ballet Company's production of "Sleeping Beauty." I never imagined I'd be invited to perform on a classical ballet stage, especially in such a serious production with direction and choreography by a former principal dancer from the Kirov Ballet in Russia, and it was a very valuable learning experience.
That connection led to me being asked if I would be willing to teach jazz dance at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.
In fact, when I was in my twenties, I taught at a cultural center for a short period of time, but when it comes to teaching at a university, it's quite a challenge. I still want to continue dancing, so I felt it would be a waste of time. However, such opportunities are rare. Dance cannot be left as a tangible entity like painting or music, so I thought it would be nice to be able to pass on what I have learned to the younger generation, so I accepted the offer.
The problem is "what should I convey?" I'm not an elite dancer, so I'm not a good example of technique. I thought it would be good to take on the challenge since they asked me to do it, but it takes courage to "teach" students.
When I consulted an acquaintance who teaches at a university, they told me, "You don't need to teach. Just show them what you're doing by dancing." They said that what's required is to show the attitude you've had towards dance, and that it's up to the students to interpret and internalize that. Those words gave me the push I needed to start teaching classes.
I started this with the hope that students would learn about self-expression and how to project a sense of presence through dance by watching me dance, but before I knew it, three years had passed. I had no experience as a teacher, and it was difficult to teach classes while also having a stage performance, so I thought I would want to quit soon.
Apparently, I didn't dislike teaching after all.
I don't think I'm teaching effectively, and sometimes I find it tedious. But I'm happy and feel a deep affection for my students as I watch them grow step by step. I was surprised by this myself.
This spring we will have our first graduating class, and I am excited to see how they will thrive in the outside world.
Just like how I was forced to withdraw from a stage performance due to injury, you never know what's going to happen in this world. No matter how prepared you are, sometimes things just don't work out. I'm trying to take everything positively and do my best.
Filming assistance: Don Giovanni
https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131705/13154500/
