Bunheads: Teaching Doesn't Mean It's Over

November 28, 2001

Whether it’s as simple as transferring their weight before a pirouette or as complicated as transitioning into a new phase of their career, dancers always need to be on their toes and ready for anything. In this week’s episode of “Bunheads,” Michelle did just that, setting aside her apprehensions and assuming an unfamiliar role.

 

When a spontaneous getaway by Fanny leaves the bunheads of Paradise without a teacher, Michelle is forced to fearlessly leap into teaching. For Michelle, the thought of teaching had always seemed like the equivalent of hanging up her pointe shoes forever. But, as smart bunheads know, choosing to teach, go to college or take on a side job doesn’t have to mean that your dancing days are over. In fact, taking an alternative path might even be good for your career. Michelle doesn’t just walk the dancers-in-training through a mundane barre—she has to learn to think on her feet in uncharted territory, study new forms of dance (if pole dancing counts) and even choreograph a contemporary piece for Sasha that would definitely make Madame Fanny proud. Hopefully, Michelle is starting to see that “just because you teach doesn’t mean it’s over.”