Finding Balance- Melanie Skinner

Melanie Skinner, a former soloist of Pacific Northwest Ballet, talks about two main adversities that come with dancing- body image an injuries. She mentions that she has seen many dancers struggle to attain the ideal body image. When a dancer becomes conscious and weary of how they look a sense of ‘neurotiscism’ can be developed. "When you're surrounded by mirrors, its inevitable" 

She mentions that with her experience of an injury, “…it took longer to emotionally recover.” However 

she discovered the right mindset after the experience- thus experience helps. “I was devastated then, but things happen for a reason.”

What helped (Injury, Body Image)

·      Having the ‘staying power’ to not have to struggle with how she looks

·      Always had support from mom and husband (social support)

·      Learnt to ‘let go’ as a life skill. 

Professionalism

Her advice on how to cope in the industry and to take on a challenge is to approach the issue that is frustrating with an open mind and in a professional, respectable manner.

“What sets apart professional dancers is their inner drive to strive for better technique…dancers need to focus on their attitude daily.” (Skinner, M. pg.194) 

She also mentions that taking one step at a time helps too, and finds ways to get inspiration:

“I take my job on a day-to-day basis. If i find myself lagging a bit, I'll watch performance videos- William Forysthe's company or the Paris Opera, and then I want to work even harder” (Skinner, M. pg. 192)

"The key to longevity is to find the challenge.” (Skinner, M. pg. 192) 

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