I had a class like this. It was at a rec center and was in 8 week sessions. I didn't have this problem at other locations, so I just came to the conclusion that the people who signed up for this were just looking for something to do for a short time. There was a free introductory class before the session, so it wasn't that they didn't know what they were getting into. It wasn't that the class wasn't interesting because I used the same format for classes in other locations and the attendance there was fine. It wasn't too expensive. It wasn't at a bad time. In fact, I could find no real reason for why that class was such a dud. But like you, it sapped my enthusiams trying to teach to people who didn't care. I quit. I focused on the classes that did care. I know that's not much of a solution, but I didn't have a better idea then and I don't have one now. :(

Taaj
thebellydancetrainer.com

Whenever my motivation seems to backslide, I sign up for a workshop taught by someone I admire. I tend to be drawn to the instructors that talk little and move alot and drill, drill, drill. It's a great motivator and definately replenishes my drive to improve and perform. I will be teaching my very first beginners class in 3 weeks. I'm going to start on time and end on time with no room for the social session that tends to break out during some classes that I have taken in the past. I figure that if they are not motivated to dance, learn and sweat, they will disappear quickly and the rest of us can get busy. Even Master instructors have unmotivated and not so dedicated students in their classes. I take note of that and the fact that the teacher does not waste a single ounce of energy on them. Everyone knows who is there to learn for real and the instructors are drawn to that desire. Instructors need to feel that desire and energy from their students. So, take some ass kicking workshops and concentrate on the students that stay with you. Form a troupe with them and by all means have fun.

Everyone loses motivation at one point, so you aren't alone! And everyone has experienced the "incredible shrinking class" - it happens all the time.

Some things that help get me through - first, students register for a full session, so if they don't come, they still have paid in full, so its "worth" my time. I don't run the class without min. 8 registered.

Second - "recognize what you can change and change it, and accept what you cannot change". Have you asked your students what motivates them? Why they are there? Your students are your customers and you have to give them what they want. Understanding and meeting their needs will help to retain students. Or - it will at least make you aware of what they want and if you don't want to teach what they want, then at least you have the choice. Also, there may be something about your teaching style or other aspects of your class that they aren't responding to - so you need to find that out and ask for some constructive feedback. Yeah - sometimes it hurts, its a painful process - but its the only way you'll find out. Some of it you won't be able to change, but at least it will help you understand. (I once got a feedback form from a former student who said she didn't want to learn from a fat teacher - haha - it was a tad hurtful, but it just helped me understand that some people see the world very differently, and thats okay....it didn't make me change anything about me or my classes, but I felt better knowing it was her personal issue and nothing more.)

Third - there are just students who get caught up in "life" and just stop coming. Don't let that de-motivate you - there are always the one or two who show up until the end, and they deserve your full attention and commitment.

If you really don't want to teach, then don't. You'll feel better - sometimes we just need a break! And nobody wants to learn from an unmotivated teacher - it comes across in class. You haven't failed, you're not a bad teacher, you just need to be sure you're doing what makes you happy and that your students are getting the best of you.

Ash,

I know these comments are "late" in the discussion - anyway...

I teach the same beginners class twice a week. One at a local college and one where I rent space.

I have noticed some "weird" things with this set up.

My college class has a high rate of attrition (50% or more) than my "own" class and the college class is more expensive. I talked with my director about it and she says this is normal for any dance class. The students who sign up usually do to try something out and they figure out pretty quickly whether they like it. If they don't, they leave. The college also does instructor evaluations. These are ALWAYS interesting to read. I have found either a person likes me or they don't. There is little middle ground. I have learned to be ok with that.

I find the college class harder to teach. In my own class, I have a peer as an "assistant". This is a wonderful set up for us. We give each other energy and it feels more like play. She and I have been dancing under the same teacher for 5 years and only this year started teaching classes ourselves. We have a great friendship and I am sure that energy adds to the class.

Our attrition for our beginners class is now roughly 30% - though our first class was about 50%. We seem to have less attrition with bigger classes. It is weird - but it might be a room-energy thing - more fun with more people.

Our classes do focus on fun as much as on technique/workout. Our students are there to try something new and for a "girl's night" out. Our first night we have our students introduce themselves to a "neighbor" in class who they do not yet know. This seems to help with the social-fun sense in the room.

So, I guess I agree with the posts on finding out why your students are there and focus on that. And yes, take classes yourself - it is a wonderful way to regroup.

Wow Ash,

Just change your location to DeLand Florida, and you would think I wrote your paragraph. The only difference is I'm the teacher.

Moving from NY to Fla, and somehow expecting the same enthusiasm—well...
A few suggestions:
1 Go online and view other BD'ers that you admire. Check out Rachel Brice (www.youtube.com/watch I love her interview (www.youtube.com/watch and Sadie
(www.youtube.com/watch
2 Take an advanced class where you can experience a challenge
3 Don't expect more from the students than they're ready to give, but meet them where they are. Don't make assumptions; they may not have a clue, or even care the way YOU do, but they care enough to pay for classes.
4 While teaching, take the opportunity to improve your own basic techniques.
I hope this helps a little

Good luck
Nalani