What Students Mean To Teachers

I took class with one of my favorite teachers, Willie Burmann, after not having been in his class for a while. When I walked in, he said hello, and asked me, "Are you still with Joffrey?"

I didn't even think he knew who I was, much less who I danced for.

When I was dancing, I never thought I meant anything to my teachers. It's not that I thought they were inconsiderate people, I just never thought I was important enough to be more than an insignificant blip on their radar. I never wrote to them after I had moved on, or called. I didn't think they would even remember who I was. I can't tell you how surprised I was, when I visited SAB a few years ago and saw Andrei Kramerevsky, still teaching in his 80's. I introduced myself (I hadn't seen him in 30 years), and he said, "I remember you."

Now that I teach, I realize how much my students mean to me. Not just the ones I see on a regular basis, but all of them. Students are a teacher's family. We really do care about them.

This weekend will see several of our graduating seniors doing their last show with us. One of my ladies, who is not in the show, was backstage during rehearsal. We talked about what she was going to be doing, where she would be going to college, etc. I told her that we, teachers, miss our students when they move on. She asked, "Really?" I said, "Yes. That first class when we look over and you're not at the barre... We miss you." Like me, I don't think she ever thought of that. Sure there are always new students, young ones coming into my class for the first time, some of them terrified, some excited, bringing new energy and new artistry with them, but we will always miss those who are no longer there.

Just like you should call your parents and tell them you love them, give your old teachers a call, or drop them an email. Just like your parents, we think about you all the time.

And we love you.

See you in class... Always...