Having decided on focusing on the emotional
well-being of dancers, through more reading and researching, a new and improved
investigation has been formulated:
How do professional ballet dancers cope
emotionally and maintain emotional resilience to face the challenges within the
various stages of working towards performances.
The
mental and emotional side of a dancer’s practice is lesser explored (refer to
fonding balance), and is an attribute that is necessary to have in order to
solve any adversity the professional ballet industry poses on a dancer. (link
theory of emotional resilience- bouncing back) Emotionally healthy people approach
challenges and stress with a better more positive mindset, and are able to cope
and solve a problem effectively.
In the midst of rehearsals leading up towards our
next big production ‘Spring and Fall’ (triple bill of John Neumeier), I have
noticed there are quite a number challenges that come with the whole process.
Working
towards a performance requires dedication, motivation, practice, skill and hard
work. As ballet dancers are always working towards some sort of goal and
reward, and constantly trying to be better, the performance can be seen as the
next ultimate goal to be better at. Challenges along the way are always part of
the package. Physically they need to overcome these challenges, but what is as
important is to be mentally strong. Thanks to this detailed source, http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=5799&cn=298
it has helped create a foundation and
starting point for my investigation on this lesser-known topic.
I have discovered that the core ingredient to providing this strength is
resilience. And the foundation of this feeling of resilience comes from your
emotions and feelings, as they are what drive you to act a certain way, and
react to certain situations. This drive sparks up motivation and inspiration,
positvity and a healthy positive mind-set towards work and life in general. Therefore
in all stages of the build up to any performance, keeping that resilience
(emotionally) going is vital in order to solve the various challenges that will
in turn create a dancer to improve in every aspect of their work and life. From
experience, knowledge and awareness they will learn how to cope better.
It has
also been very interesting to apply these theories to my experiences so far
with the ballet company and our rehearsal process. I have really noticed and tried
to identify the different challenges that fall into the different stages.
I have
observed frustration (in myself and others) in everyday class, with castings
and rehearslas when having to mainatain technique and an ideal body shape even
though some of the younger dancers may not be used in much. There have been
motivation issues, a few injuries and dancers down. Fatigue and stress with
some of soloists and pronciples who are doing everything. All of these
obstacles have affected on our emotions and feelings. By being more aware of
having to be more more assertive and aware myself, stay positive and try
approach certain situations has been eye opening. There is so much behind
maintaining a good emotional resilience. It shows how important it is to have
in one’s life, and for sure would be beneficial in a ballet dancer’s life to
upkeep.
“…Nurturing positive emotional states is
one of the most important things a person can do to benefit themselves.” (H.Mills, M.Dombeck)
