Revolutionary ballet tip #9 [final tip!!!]: Know that you’re awesome!
Dance classes start next week for me, so this will be my final Revolutionary Ballet Tip post for the summer. I hope these have helpful to you. I’m always happy to share the things I learned the hard way so the rest of you don’t have to struggle to learn the same things.
This final ballet tip is one I can’t do to save my life: DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO THE OTHER DANCERS IN THE ROOM.
Seriously. Your mental state reflects in your physical health, for one thing, and if you feel icky, your technique won’t come as easily to you. Not to mention, it’s so hard to want to keep trying to improve when there’s a little voice in your head whispering evilly, “You’re never going to be as good as them. Your extensions suck. You can do maybe a double pirouette on a good day. Don’t bother trying.”
“But how, exactly, do you stop comparing yourself to others?” you might be asking. Like I said, I’m still trying to figure out how not to compare myself to other dancers, too, so I don’t really know. It might help to get to know the dancers who make you the most jealous. That way, you’ll see them as a friend rather than as a rival. Plus, they might give you helpful tips if you ask nicely!
Let me tell you something: dancing alone in an empty studio is the most amazing thing. You can see your true talent when there’s no dancer better than you around. You’ll find that your turnout, jumps, or whatever really aren’t as bad you thought they were. If you feel down about yourself and you ever have a studio to yourself, definitely take advantage of it.
I hear that trying to focus solely on yourself and ignore everyone else helps a lot of people. I personally can’t do that. My brain likes to catch on to, say, that one girl’s amazing arabesque line, because there’s such a strong emotional attachment to such things. It’s not a good emotional attachment, but the point stands.
I wish I could be of more help in this matter. I added it as a revolutionary tip despite my lack of expertise because confidence really does make a huge difference. If any of you have found a way that helps you maintain a positive view of yourself despite the competitive atmosphere of dance, feel free to reblog and add it on!
Stay strong, fellow dancers. You rock.
