For Learning Only

In the dance world the classroom has morphed from a room of learning, to a performance space. Students come to class to audition. Teachers use class to produce social media content. There are voices both lamenting and defending this change.

This much is true: If students are expected to perform as they would in a professional performance in the space that used to be reserved for learning (the fall-on-your-face-try-something-new-make-a-mistake kind of learning), where is the learning happening?

In my classes at the McBurney YMCA I record content references for the students - at their request. During class, the camera, for documentation or promotional purposes stays out of the room. This is one way I keep the space clearly defined for learning only. How do you?