Yesterday, while waiting for the yoga class to end, so that I could start my step class, I chatted with a couple of members waiting with me. We talked about various topics ranging from reality TV to strange behavior of other members to current pop stars. I had just gotten off an eight hour shift at the kitchen and was quite exhausted. But being me, I showed up to teach class.

One topic we discussed was how some other step instructors require that any person who takes class in the front row must be an experienced stepper. In some cases, instructors only want their regulars to be up front. In some more extreme cases, instructors will tell a person to move to the back of the room if they don't know them.

My first question is: why do members allow instructors to do this?

My second question is: aren't instructors supposed to teach these people what to do?

I have never ever asked a person to move from one part of the room to another. I just have never felt that I have the right to do that. Unless the participant is a hazard to others, I will never ask them to move from the spot they picked. Certainly, it is distracting when someone who has no clue about timing, rhythm, or step aerobics is in the front row BUT since I am a professional instructor, I get over that and continue to teach. It's what I was hired to do and it's what I know how to do.

My only advice to people who are new to a step class is to step up & down on the beat of the music, try a new step now & then but always go back to the basic. If they cannot listen to that advice, then I am no longer responsible.

More importantly, if you are a member who is trying to learn something and are putting forward a great effort to learn it, then you have the right to be anywhere in the classroom. Understand that if you are in the front row, you affect the rest of the class if you are "not getting it". If you are fine with that, then stay put. If not, then stay at the back of the class and observe, try, and learn. Eventually, you'll get it. It just takes patience and practice.

If an instructor tells you to move, you have the right to refuse. If they embarass you, let them; they are the ones who look like idiots. You also have the right to report their deplorable behavior to their superiors. Once again, unless you are a hazard to others, then you have the right to the spot you picked. As long as you are not going to hurt someone, stay. But be wary of your surroundings. You do affect them. Later.  ¶ 10:53 PM