Jenifer Ringer-
Ballet Dancer, New York City Ballet
Body Image
Even though she was lucky as she was very good, she was more
‘feminin’ and ‘curvy’ which made her feel ‘overcome
with self-doubt.’
“Obsession is not productive.” (Ringer, J. pg. 189)
Injuries- “It was at that point
that she started to have emotional problems.” (Berardi, G. 2005)
-Often unhappy
-Low self-esteem
‘Lost a bit of joy in dancing’
“It got to the point that the one
thing bringing joy was unavailable to me.” (Ringer, J. pg. 190)
*Having these negative feelings could not help dealing with
an injury and to rise above it
Dependant on others to give her self-esteem
-From teachers, directors, a higher ranking position
“So dependant on ballet…it was impossible to find happiness.
Advice
To take a total break from ballet, and obviously focus on herself.
“I realized I was beautiful just like this.”(Ringer, J. pg.191) Once she was aware and possibly
happier with herself, things started to fall into place and she was dancing
again.
Affirmations
“At first I was terrified,’ but
she slowly got back into it. She kept telling herself ‘you are beautiful the
way you are.’ Going with an open
mind into a new challenge here.
*If staying where she was, in a negative state of mind, “I would have been too self involved.”
Outcomes:
·
Her challenges-
injuries and weight gain, enriched her as a person, ‘helping me reaffirm my
priorities.’
·
Got priorities
straight
·
Gained confidence in
herself, and could function outside of dancing
“Don’t stay in the adolescent mind-set of ballet, it doesn’t
fulfill you as a person.
·
Have confidence in
yourself and know you are a unique individual
·
Enjoy and love
dancing
·
Working hard is
good, but don’t let perfection envelop yourself ‘your value as a person cannot
come mostly or completely form ballet.” (Ringer, J. pg. 191)
Berardi, G. 2005, Finding Balance- Fitness, Training and Health for a Lifetime in Dance, 2nd edn. Routeledge, New York.
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