A tribute to my students

My students and their parents constantly shower me with appreciation but I haven't had a chance to tell them how IMPORTANT they are to me. This is for them.

There are days when I am exhausted, overworked and life has poured unusual amounts of insanity into my plate. And I really feel like I cannot get through class, but the moment I walk into the studio and start conducting the warm up, EVERYTHING falls into place. I love the energy, enthusiasm and the willingness to learn that greets me every time I walk in.

Over the years, I have seen students walk in who say "I have never danced before. Is that ok?" And I always say "that's what I am here for." Someone once said that the "limits are only in your IMAGINATION." I have learnt to believe it. I have seen students grow and blossom and with every session they become stronger dancers, better performers. I am not very liberal with praise and often have a reputation of being a strict and demanding teacher when it comes to the junior/teen age group. That is because I want them to constantly push themselves, but every time a session ends, I feel a tremendous sense of pride. And when they are on stage, they always SHINE. And sometimes I don't say anything because words fail me.

The kids are a different story altogether. They have a question for everything, an explanation for everything. They always bring a smile to my face. Often when I try to teach a step, they come up with INCREDIBLE imagery to describe a movement. I teach them how to dance but in the process learn so much more. Parents often talk about how its hard for kids to adjust to another instructor but the feeling is MUTUAL! It is really hard for us to give up our classes. I still drive an hour to Evergreen because I am so attached to my classes. And I know its the same for so many other MSDC instructors.

At the same time, I want to thank the students for their faith in me and for registering quarter after quarter and believing in my ability to teach them something more, challenge them in a different way, draw out something new from them. Ravi Shekar and Shobha Kunder have been with me since the first class I taught with Naach and then with Mona; a journey of 3 yrs. My Pleasanton juniors Akanksha, Saumya, Ankitha & Saloni have been there for every performance quarter, also for 3 yrs. There are so many more who have been with me EVERY quarter since they began and that really means so much.

This is just for all my students to know that I feel honored and humbled, and to thank them for their loyalty and love. Got to LOVE being a teacher!