Finding Balance- Chapter 6

Finding Balance- what does it take to succeed in dance? ( Chapter 6, page 195)

*Dancers must enjoy the challenges dance poses

-In order to keep a dancer’s career going, they need to enjoy the whole process and be able to still feel joy, regardless of the obstacles.

The key to dealing with various challenges, “…gain cognitive control by focusing on what you can control such as your attitude and good health habits as opposed to factors actually outside one’s control.” (Berardi, G. 2005, p. 197)

This states that a dancer cannot always be in control, which is reassuring to know there are always ways to work around a situation. Therefore treating an adversity as looking at new possibilities, which would make sense to promote positivity and motivation, creating a healthier and more positive emotional state.

Factors that help:

How you are raised- Good values, good parenting and support, which helps to be levelheaded and dedicated. Leads to inspiration and motivation

Seeing challenges as opportunities.

• E.g, when injured, see it as an opportunity to focus on your technique-“ become more conscious of alignment and puts my ego in check.”
• Approaching a setback in a calm rational way helps create longevity in dancing.

     Luckily practicing ballet helps in dealing with adversities, as dancers are strongly motivated which helps with having a healthier approach to training as well as coping with setbacks and obstacles. Hamilton also notes that 'dancers who have a desire to achieve and are, by nature, optimistic and also are resilient- they can bounce back from setback and injury.' (Hamilton, 2005. p. 196) Hearing this intrigued me hugely because, referring back to my previous research on emotional resilience, these are the initial qualities needed to help stay emotionally strong. 

Perfectionism- sets high standards to firstly believe and thus achieve goals to help advance in their career path.

*However can be maladaptive: can’t be too self-critical. Instead it is advised to replace irrational with rational thoughts in order to react better to the current situation.

Set specific goals: improves motivation and reduces stress

-         Should be specific and challenging yet attainable

-         Dancer should be aware of their control over the goal and its journey

“In a sense practicing mental skills is as important as developing physical skills…able to focus one’s attention on what one is doing, rather than being distracted by negative or constant worrying.” (Hamilton. 2005. p. 197) She suggests disputing negative self-talk and 'thought stopping' could help. 

·      Links to the powerful concept of being mindful and aware, where I have researched and explained in this blog post. Being fully aware seems to help not let emotions, feelings and thoughts direct one in the wrong direction. Like in the Franklin workshop, this helps to be able to send the right pathological brainwaves through the nervous system to the body. Thus being as effective as possible.

* Professionals should not underestimate their role as role models

“Role models are important to build self-esteem and to help create or reassure oneself of their own identity. Thus leading to knowing one’s own purpose, goals, values, what they stand for.” (Berardi, G. 2005)

Berardi, G. 2005, Finding Balance- Fitness, Training and Health for a Lifetime in Dance, 2nd edn. Routeledge, New York.