Most of you have an idea about what it means to be a “Dolly Dinkle” (or Dolly Dingle) dance teacher or dance school.
If you haven’t heard of the term, you are probably familiar with the negative sentiment it represents. I don’t know exactly how Dolly earned her reputation but essentially she is the poster child for less-than-stellar dance education.
The definition, though, of insufficient training, a substandard environment, or unqualified teaching of dance varies depending on who you talk to.
Last month a reader contacted me and suggested that she’d like to see the topic covered on Dance Advantage as she had been reading some derogatory remarks elsewhere online and thought some balance could be rendered at this site.
I think she’s right because readers here at Dance Advantage are super smart and thoughtful in their responses.
Share your definition of a “Dolly Dinkle” in the comments
Though I’ve not used the term “Dolly Dinkle” here before, it doesn’t take much digging to assess some of MY core values regarding dance training and education. So, I thought this would be a great opportunity to let YOU weigh in with your thoughts and opinions.
You don’t need to be a teacher to answer. Parents and students, your perspective is important too.
A few ground rules
The comments and conversation at DA has always been positive and supportive but I realize that potentially some nerves might be hit with this topic. Therefore, I just ask that you…
- Be thoughtful in your responses. No need to sugarcoat, but take a few extra moments to consider how you’ll express what you really mean.
- Get up, walk around, and come back to the computer a little later if something that is said really does ruffle your feathers.
Flaming comments have a way of attracting lots of traffic and discussion to an article but I’d rather be known as the insightful and balanced website with super smart readers. 🙂
Nichelle Suzanne is a writer specializing in dance and online content. She is also a dance instructor with over 20 years experience teaching in dance studios, community programs, and colleges. She began Dance Advantage in 2008, equipped with a passion for movement education and an intuitive sense that a blog could bring dancers together. As a Houston-based dance writer, Nichelle covers dance performance for Dance Source Houston, Arts+Culture Texas, and other publications. She is a leader in social media within the dance community and has presented on blogging for dance organizations, including Dance/USA. Nichelle provides web consulting and writing services for dancers, dance schools and studios, and those beyond the dance world. Read Nichelle’s posts.
