This morning, while the air was still quiet, a lesson with a professional dancer began.

Teaching one who teaches

To further teach dance to someone who is themselves called "teacher" is, in a sense, a very special time. The atmosphere is completely different from a lesson with a general student. Professionals already understand the use of the body well.

After 45 years in this world, you come to understand that "teaching" and "getting through" are entirely different things. Explaining in words is not enough. Touching the body, feeling together how the weight rides — conveying the very framework.

In teaching a professional, the density of that "touching" and "feeling" becomes all the greater.

"That's good — but it might be even better this way"

There's a phrase I often use: "That's good, isn't it?"

First, acknowledge. Then add, "But it might be even better this way." People can't change all at once, so rather than denying outright, I affirm what is there and polish it little by little.

This morning's lesson was that repetition too. Checking one movement over and over, raising the precision little by little. Only beyond that humble repetition does real dance lie. In the quiet early-morning hours, I felt it once again.

Teaching dance overlaps with living

After 13 years in America and studying with many teachers in London, even now that I've returned to Japan I have not stopped learning. Lately I think deeply about the balance of the body — a use of the body that doesn't rely on muscle strength alone.

Ballroom dance is often thought of as entertainment, but the use of the body, the way of matching breath with another, the power to sense your partner — it connects to every scene of life. I've seen a student who experienced a stroke regain much through dance.

A lesson for a professional dancer is, for me too, a precious time to test myself.

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At Social Dancing Club TEAM, we of course teach professionals, and we also carefully welcome first-time trials for those new to ballroom dance. The more you think "Can I really do this?", the more we hope you'll come once.

We look forward to your enquiries and trial-lesson bookings through our website.