I recently had a busy performance season and am now on a break from dance (an off-season, as every athlete requires.) In the meantime, I’ve been working out, writing, drinking smoothies, and getting into nature. You know, just talking to momma deer and her babies. Eating wild berries and such. That moss girl life.
I will get back into dance when I feel like it. In the meantime, I am redefining what dance means to me and the impact it has on my life. Perhaps I will write about this when the inspiration comes. But I’m not quite there yet because I don’t share my plans before taking action on them.
This past year, I was dancing in two companies, teaching ballet, and working on my own creative goals. The majority of it was smooth sailing. I broke through many barriers I had before, such as stage fright which used to be horrific for me! At times though, it was quite stressful. That is something I believe most dancers can relate to.
All of the above has made me want to share my unconventional tips for surviving performance season beyond your run-of-the-mill “Eat healthy and get enough sleep.”
Let’s get right into it.
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1. Do not get too emotionally involved with the process.
I’m sure you’ve heard that artists need to be pouring their heart and soul into their work. I beg to differ. I believe that those who are ~sooo deeply passionate~ (ew lol) about art tend to be the ones who experience burnout and resentment. This is because when you get overly emotionally involved, you strap yourself onto a rough roller coaster. Emotions are ever-changing and fleeting. Do not let them get in your way during the process. I tend to save the intensity for the actual performance itself.
My husband is a successful musician and I always go to him for advice. The best advice he ever gave me was, “Don’t let the highs get too high, and don’t let the lows get too low.” And it’s so true! I used to be in a constant cycle of highs and lows based on how I felt about my progress. I would go way up just to crash down. I’m so glad to say I no longer experience this.
Sometimes things won’t go as planned. But I’ve learned not to take it personally anymore. I know my intrinsic value, talents, and worth. I want that for you too. Understand that people have preconceived notions about what a dancer should and shouldn’t be. It’s not your place to worry about that.
Keep your emotions level and don’t get swept away in them.
2. When you’re off rehearsals or off-season, take your focus away from dance entirely.
When you’re off work, are you constantly talking about it, ruminating about it, and running around for your coworkers? Of course not. When you’re continually answering work-related messages off the clock, and running errands for your boss unpaid, you’ll exhaust yourself. You need to separate your work life from your personal life. Why should dance be any different?
I recommend you leave work at work (AKA rehearsals at rehearsals.) I know this is easier said than done, but here is one thing that will help with this:
Having other hobbies and interests besides dance is so important. I talk about this a lot, but I always recommend that dancers and artists focus on more than one medium. Maybe for you, that’s painting or pottery. It could be writing or learning an instrument. Becoming proficient in multiple art forms will bless you in so many ways, and will give you something else to focus on. I’ll make a separate blog post in the future because I truly believe this.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Why? It keeps you from becoming so attached to dance that your well-being depends on it, or you make it your entire personality.
3. Learn to handle conflict and difficult personalities with elegance.
Just because you’re level-headed in the process doesn’t mean everyone else is. Dancers and artists tend to be… sensitive individuals. This can be a strength for many because it allows them to create deeper work. Left unchecked, it can become volatile and create a harsh and competitive space for everyone involved.
Sometimes, this callous negativity will be directed toward you. There will be difficult personalities you have to deal with, so it’s important to stay on your paper. Don’t worry about what other people are doing or saying. Focus on your own growth. For more advice on this, here is my recent post about how to play to your strengths as a dancer.
Other than dealing with abrasive personalities, things happen. Another dancer will get the role you’ve dreamed of. Someone will snub you in some way. God forbid you sustain an injury. Learning how to navigate sticky situations with elegance will get you through the tough times and keep your reputation intact.
Part of this means learning to stand up for yourself but also knowing when to tune out the chaos.
Remember that insecurity is loud, but confidence is quiet.
4. Practice non-attachment to dance.
Try to read this last one slowly because it’s the most important. When performance season becomes stressful, perhaps it’s because you want success, validation, and recognition so much that you’ve latched onto that.
Don’t want it. Allow your experiences to be exactly what they are. If another dancer gets the part you’ve been wanting, or you’re on the wrong side of favoritism, let it unfold. You can’t control other people’s preferences or reactions. Do you need their approval, or are you just fooling yourself? Ask yourself why you need it and what does that mean. Stop wanting it.
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All in all, the best thing a dancer can be is confident and level-headed.
This makes you great to work with and gives you inner peace. It starts with focusing on yourself. Minding your business instead of worrying about everyone else will take you far. And when you fully understand your capabilities and value, unwanted opinions no longer matter. If you’re reading this, I know you have the talent and drive. So keep your focus on that <3