2019... new year, new me and all of that so I figured a thought provoking blog post was in order!
A dancers lifestyle is balanced around progression, we learn, we perfect, we level up.
You start with a balance in passé you add a single turn... then a double turn... then a triple turn... a constant desire to achieve more. But did we forget that in stage one the aspiration for a double pirouette seemed far fetched (believe me some days mine still is). But did the dancer give themself a pat on the back for their achievement or did he/she start pushing for another extra turn?
It's pretty rare that a teacher or director will tell you something was "perfect" or that you'll finish a combination or rehearsal without a critique or correction. In fact, I often find myself disappointed if I am not given feedback or something to work on. For sure, I didn't sign up to this career for a daily confidence boost or to feed my ego... but in such a high pressure competitive environment its very easy to be consumed. If you want to be truly happy in this industry I believe strongly in a positive healthy relationship with yourself.
This past year I've enjoyed teaching more than I ever thought I could. I've learnt to see a completely different side to dancers and a completely different side to myself. I encourage positive challenges for my students to learn new things but try to ensure improvement is never overlooked. Encouraging progression whilst recognising progress.
I suppose the purpose of this deep meaningful blog post (that very few will probably end up reading) is that I encourage myself, dancers and non-dancers to give yourself more credit for every achievement in life. You got out of bed (maybe) this morning... YAY congratulations throw yourself a party with a cup of coffee!
The moment I'm introduced as being a dancer or I'm bought up in conversation (always a dreaded topic) I am constantly asked if I'm "going to be on Broadway" or if I think I'll "make it into *BIG BALLET COMPANY NAME*". NEWS FLASH... most dancers would love to be in the likes of The Royal Ballet or American Ballet Theatre but for the large majority it just is not going to happen... my calf is not the right proportion to my wrist to elbow ratio or something equally effective of dance quality. My point being, we are constantly asked if we're "the best" or if were going to do something better... rarely are we asked if we are happy. But quite honestly if posed with the question of
are you completely happy, many would struggle to honestly answer yes. Yes... but I would rather be in a different company. Yes... but I would rather be dancing this role. Yes, but... I need to get better at this. We seem to have this unrealistic exception that being happy means every aspect of our life has to be perfect... but 2019 me is coming to terms with the fact that it never will be... and that's perfect.
Such conversations spark me to reflect on where I am but also how I got here. There was time I wished for what I currently have... I owe it to 3 year old me stepping (most probably skipping) into a dance studio for my first ballet class to be proud of my achievements. It's extremely easy especially in a performers career to ruin what you have and where you are now because you're constantly aspiring for what you don't have. Remember the times you wished for this and use that as your motivation to keep achieving. Else you risk chasing a dream you may never accept yourself actually achieving.
So as I switch my late night thoughts off before I start investigating even deeper brain archives I hope my ramble made some sort of sense. If you made it this far.... congratulate yourself on that life achievement! Stay proud, stay happy and stay tuned for another blog post coming soon! If anyone here is interested in attending any of my classes (available for all ages and abilities) or you would like to get involved with my online fitness programs please don't hesitate to get in touch for more information!
Happy New Year Ballet Blend Followers
Rebecca x
A dancers lifestyle is balanced around progression, we learn, we perfect, we level up.You start with a balance in passé you add a single turn... then a double turn... then a triple turn... a constant desire to achieve more. But did we forget that in stage one the aspiration for a double pirouette seemed far fetched (believe me some days mine still is). But did the dancer give themself a pat on the back for their achievement or did he/she start pushing for another extra turn?
It's pretty rare that a teacher or director will tell you something was "perfect" or that you'll finish a combination or rehearsal without a critique or correction. In fact, I often find myself disappointed if I am not given feedback or something to work on. For sure, I didn't sign up to this career for a daily confidence boost or to feed my ego... but in such a high pressure competitive environment its very easy to be consumed. If you want to be truly happy in this industry I believe strongly in a positive healthy relationship with yourself.
This past year I've enjoyed teaching more than I ever thought I could. I've learnt to see a completely different side to dancers and a completely different side to myself. I encourage positive challenges for my students to learn new things but try to ensure improvement is never overlooked. Encouraging progression whilst recognising progress.
The moment I'm introduced as being a dancer or I'm bought up in conversation (always a dreaded topic) I am constantly asked if I'm "going to be on Broadway" or if I think I'll "make it into *BIG BALLET COMPANY NAME*". NEWS FLASH... most dancers would love to be in the likes of The Royal Ballet or American Ballet Theatre but for the large majority it just is not going to happen... my calf is not the right proportion to my wrist to elbow ratio or something equally effective of dance quality. My point being, we are constantly asked if we're "the best" or if were going to do something better... rarely are we asked if we are happy. But quite honestly if posed with the question of are you completely happy, many would struggle to honestly answer yes. Yes... but I would rather be in a different company. Yes... but I would rather be dancing this role. Yes, but... I need to get better at this. We seem to have this unrealistic exception that being happy means every aspect of our life has to be perfect... but 2019 me is coming to terms with the fact that it never will be... and that's perfect.
So as I switch my late night thoughts off before I start investigating even deeper brain archives I hope my ramble made some sort of sense. If you made it this far.... congratulate yourself on that life achievement! Stay proud, stay happy and stay tuned for another blog post coming soon! If anyone here is interested in attending any of my classes (available for all ages and abilities) or you would like to get involved with my online fitness programs please don't hesitate to get in touch for more information! Happy New Year Ballet Blend Followers
Rebecca x
Positive reinforcement is the key to successful teaching and learning in any sphere! Thanks for reminding us of that.
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