Showing up to practice with an open mind can completely change your experience as a dancer. It is normal to have different moods going into practices. Sometimes you are going to feel upbeat and happy, and sometimes, honestly, you would rather be sleeping. Moving through these feelings is normal, but building a habit of showing energy and open-mindedness (even when you don’t feel like it!) will help you over time. Encourage yourself to try new things and be willing to learn and grow.
Leave Yesterday at the Door
We all have bad days that can sometimes feel like they are taking over the week. Bring these bad feelings to a halt by reminding yourself that what happened in your last class or performance is in the past. You can’t change the outcome! When you walk into the studio, mentally press reset. Leave all the troubles at the door and be ready to dance just because you love it.
Focus on Learning, Not Proving
Practice isn’t a competition for who can be the best. It is an environment for us all to improve and grow. Don’t get caught up in trying to compete and compare yourself with your peers. Pretending your learning days are competitions will make you forget why you are there. You are there to strive to become the best dancer that you can be, and that doesn’t happen in a single day. Every dancer in the room is at a different place in their career. Enjoy your space in the room!
Be Open to Corrections
Corrections are not a bad thing. Every comment and adjustment will make you a better dancer. So, the next time you get critiqued, don’t take it as a critique of your personality. Apply the changes to your dancing! This is how the best dancers come to be, with an open mind for corrections.
Allow Yourself to be a Beginner
Trying something new is always scary, especially when you feel as though you aren’t the best at it. But it is okay to be a beginner at something and struggle a bit. This doesn’t mean that you are failing! You will get further by trying and failing than not trying at all.
Try It the Way You Are Asked (At Least Once)
Even if a correction feels odd to you, try it at least once. There is a reason that you were given the critique, and there is no harm in trying it to see how it turns out. If it works, you can keep up the momentum. If it doesn’t, you know to keep moving and try something new. Staying flexible in your approach makes you a stronger, more adaptable dancer.
