Hirokazu Tategata's Danceable LIFE Vol.4
What I Learned Through Teaching
Hirokazu Tategata (dancer and choreographer)
I have been teaching jazz dance at a university for about three years. It all started when I had the opportunity to guest star as Carabosse in Momoko Tani's "Sleeping Beauty". I never expected to be invited to a classical ballet production, especially one with a former principal of Russia's Kirov Ballet Company directing and choreographing, and it was a great learning experience.
Through this connection, I was asked if I would be willing to teach jazz dance classes at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.
Actually, when I was in my 20s, I taught at a cultural center for a short period of time, but it's quite difficult to teach at a university. I still want to continue dancing, so I thought it would be a waste of time. However, such opportunities are rare. Dance cannot be left as a tangible object 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, and accepted the offer.
The problem is "what to convey." I'm not an elite dancer, so I can't be a model for technique. I think it's a good idea to take on the challenge since they asked me, but it takes courage to "teach" students.
When I consulted with an acquaintance who teaches at a university, he told me, "You don't have to teach them. Just show them how you dance." What was required was for me to show my attitude toward dance, and it was up to the students to decide how to interpret it and learn it. Encouraged by those words, I decided to take on the class.
I started with the hope that they would learn self-expression and 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 performing, so I thought I would want to quit soon.
Apparently, I didn't hate teaching.
I don't think I'm teaching them well, and sometimes it feels like a hassle. But I'm happy to see my students grow step by step, and I feel affection for them. It was a surprise even to me.
This spring we will have our first class of graduates, and I am excited to see how they will thrive in the outside world.
Just like when I was forced to leave a stage performance due to an injury, you never know what will happen in this world. No matter how prepared you are, when it's no good, it's no good. I'm going to take everything in a positive way and do as much as I can.
Photo courtesy of Don Giovanni
https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131705/13154500/
