Today I realized that the 6th graders really are a talented, fun group.  Ms. Donk and I both agree that they are more focused and hardworking than the last group.  Earlier in the week they started learning a piece influenced by Paul Taylor's Esplanade.  When I came in today, they had already learned a decent amount, but it was easy for me to catch on and learn.  Although I didn't know the entire piece, I was still able to pick it up quickly and assist them in learning the new material.  

After class, Ms. Donk explained that since I will be assisting daily,  she wants me to create a lesson plan for the students, and actually teach them once a week.  While I am looking forward to it, I feel it will be somewhat of a challenge.  I don't want to simply copy the class she gives them and teach it, but I also don't want to make anything too difficult for them.  I also want them to warm up to me more, and I think making a fun, exciting class is a way of getting them to do that. 

I have my eye on a few of the students, one in particular reminds me a lot of myself at that age. She has loads of potential, but when she dances she doesn't utilize it, she just does the steps for the sake of doing them.  She obviously has taken dance classes before this one, and I think she likes to dance, but it's hard to tell.  On top of that, she has a cocky air about her, which is very odd.  I'm looking forward to getting to know her better, and hopefully pulling some passion out of her...