As dancers, we often have high hopes when a new season rolls around… ‘This is going to be my best season yet. I’ll get more opportunities, I’m going to improve, get cast in this role, get offered a job with that company’
Then it gets started and it can easily start to feel like things aren’t going according to plan. The pressure is too much. Your artistic director doesn’t seem to like you any more. You don’t feel like you’re at your peak.
Here are 4 tips to ensure an incredible season :
1.Decide what’s important – this is going to vary depending on where you are in your career. If you’re still a student (whether in college or HS) working towards a professional job keep your eye on that prize.
It doesn’t really matter what you’re cast in at your current school – companies don’t hire you because you were the sugar plum in the Nutcracker. They hire you because of how you showcase your skills for them in an audition. Get clear on your goals for this season and focus on the things that will really make an impact on how you feel and dance.
2. Abandon any hope of “fruition” – this comes from Pema Chodron’s book Comfortable with Uncertainty. This book changed my life and I’d highly suggest you check it out.
Uncertainty is one of the only constants in life and by working towards accepting that you’ll be infinitely happier. Pema says, “Fruition implies that at some future time you will feel good…as long as you are wishing for things to change they never will. As long as you’re wanting yourself to get better, you won’t.”
3. Fuel yourself – Let the food you eat be your best dancing fuel. In last weeks workshop, Lauren Lovette shared that she was always eating for other people, in going Vegan she finally started eating for herself. Before, she felt like she had to show people that even though she was this fit ballerina she could still down a cheeseburger and fries.
Now, she’s focused on the fuel that helps her dance at her personal best. Take the time to experiment and figure out which eating plan works for you and do the planning and prep to prioritize those foods.
4. Seek Support – Find a person who makes you feel supported. Whatever you’re going through, it’s likely someone has been in a similar situation. I’m consistently amazed by how similar the dancer experience is…we have a lot in common! Whether you join a program here at The Whole Dancer or seek support elsewhere – find what you need. You’re not alone!
Share in the comments below! What action are you taking to ensure this is your best season yet?
