No matter what your situation or your level of dance, this is
inevitable at any stage of your career. Maybe you just got a job? It has
been fine so far but you do not feel like you are growing as an artist.
You are in a rut! These slumps hit hard no matter at what level you
are. They are difficult to shake but with the correct mindset, you can
and will find your love for dance again.
Why does this happen? Maybe you are focusing on the things you have
given up for dance and not focusing on your accomplishments. At first
you are really excited, then at some point, you lose momentum. You start
looking at what you left behind and not on what you have accomplished.
It can be frustrating. You feel stagnant. You are in a motivational
hole.
Initially, you are grateful but then the excitement wears
off. The mindset changes. You want more out of this life. It is a
natural part of the developmental process. Dancers need the tools but
also the strength to be able to face all the challenges that come with
the territory. You have to be more independent to be successful. It is
part of the education and journey. Sometimes you will feel invisible but
that does not mean you are doing something wrong. You are just not the
main topic of conversation. At times you need help adjusting to a move
or a situation. At other times you do not.
OVERCOMING:
With practice, you can overcome this setback and get back on track.
1. Set Reasonable and productive goals:
Focus
on what you put into your work. Not, what you get out of it. Goals
should be centered on things you can control: Applying corrections. Etc.
Work on it.
2. Sit in on rehearsals and classes: See shows –
you need to be inspired. Look for other inspirational outlets. Take a
class in another style. Another teacher maybe. But, make sure you take classes.
3. Expand your horizons:
Most
people start to dance as a hobby but then it becomes work, the joyful
escape is gone. Find something else for a hobby. I happen to write.
4. Do not forget your value:
Realize you are needed where you are. You are valued.
Hopefully, these suggestions will help you. Even after 40 plus years
in this business, I have my days. After a week or so of doing nothing, I
realize I am here for the long haul and will always be a part of the
dance world. It is who I am!
PRACTICE PERFECTION? DANCERS: They spend their whole life aiming for perfection. Now, there is no problem with aiming for perfection as it keeps your ideals at a high standard. Will you ever reach that goal? NO! But, it gives you power to be be better all the time. We all want to have, perfect feet, the perfect body etc. But dance like life is a questionable thing. We fully desire to conquer space and time. We want our dance to be perfect. We are humans after all. The unending refinement of our dance ability is through sustained training and exploration. This is where vitality comes in. It provides us with the opportunity to feed our need for discovery and humility. CLASS : The real goal is to arrive early for class being prepared to learn. Class is a joy. View in your mind the treasure trove of what you learn Savor the intricacies of each movement. Every gesture is is worthy of your attention. Feel you are getting closer to perfection every day. TEACHING : Even as an instr
DANCE WITHOUT STRESS The missing ingredient in most dancer's optimal performance is the lack of rest. As many dancers know, repetitive strain on muscles can lead to minor tears in the muscle tissue. If the body does not get a chance to heal, an overuse injury can occur. Rest gives muscles a chance to repair themselves. Most dancers but most dancers do not allow for this in their schedules. Active relaxation is the tool all dancers need to recover both physically and mentally. Find a way to soften and move with ease is actually calming for our nervous system. Using a set of physical and mental techniques through progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, visualization, and a combination of all of these can help. These can be done as you ready for bed or just grabbing 10 minutes anytime. This prevents soreness, enhances flexibility, reduces stress and boosts immune system. You Have to Breathe : You cannot dance and just be a chest breather. Breathe into the belly and allow
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