Terrie Wayside

I had spent many years gaining the experience, knowledge and qualifications to teach, and then a 3 year old so quickly let’s me know that kindness, and a nurturing environment are essential … such a big ‘aha’ moment for me.

It was a sunny afternoon in Melbourne, one of those rare occasions when the grey clouds had parted and beautiful sunshine was streaming in through the window. At a farewell party for me, given by my students (as I was leaving Melbourne to live in Western Australia), I was greeted by a little 3yo named Elyse. Now Elyse was one of those children filled with spirit and seemed wise beyond her years. She couldn’t just skip down the room in a straight line, she had to twist and turn and put her own little stamp on everything she did. Her hair never stayed in a bun, there were always strands of red wispy hair falling down into her big brown eyes. This day she ran towards me and I scooped her up into my arms and greeted her mother. The next moment changed the way I viewed myself as a teacher forever. When Elyse found out I was leaving, she said to her Mum “But who will be as kind to me as Miss Terrie?”

While studying I was introduced to the Laurel Martyn Dance System, and Laurel Martyn herself became a Mentor and a major influence in my life. Laurel believed in asking lots of questions and understanding the purpose of the content we teach in class. Her favourite question was:

“what is the purpose of the exercise?”

and that question gives you insight into what you want the students to achieve (which is not always technique), it could be musicality, rhythm, co-ordination, or spatial awareness. Therefore at times, things may look “messy”, but we are not about perfection, we are about learning and developing the whole dancer.