Why am I always blocked in the back? Why do I keep messing up when we perform? Why don’t I ever get chosen for select? Why can’t I keep up with everyone else? How did I even get on this team?... I must be the weakest link. No matter what your insecurities tell you, this “weakest link” belief is just an idea – a false one.
See Related Article: 5 Ways Your MINDSET Is Holding You Back As A Dancer (And How To Change It!)
Here are 9 tips to help you out on getting out of this destructive mentality!
1. Believe in yourself as a dancer
Always try to have faith in yourself.
Only YOU can make yourself a better you.
Or else, you'll forever be stuck in this "woe is me" self-victimizing mindset!
See Related Article: How To Dance With More Confidence
2. Find your weaknesses and work on them
Whether it's picking up choreo, freestyling, having weak limbs, we all have areas of opportunity.
See Related Video: How To Pick Up Choreo Faster | Dancer Rants #2
Instead of always feeling insecure about them, target those problem areas and find ways to improve.
You may not transform overnight, but you will feel much better making any kind of progress.
See Related Article: 8 Things Great Dancers Do Differently
3. Don't beat yourself up over mistakes
Rather than dwelling on your failures or mistakes, learn from them!
If you beat yourself up over them all time, you won’t overcome them and seek improvement.
Remember, dancing is supposed to be fun!
Don’t waste your time feeling crappy about yourself, instead use that time to bring yourself back up.
See Related Article: 24 Little Things That Make Any Dancer's Day
4. Practice makes perfect!
You’re going to have bad dance days. That's inevitable.
See Related Article: 5 Simple Daily Practices To Improve Your Dancing Ability
But knowing you can get yourself out of it is the key to growth.
If you want to show that you’re improving, then never stop practicing.
“Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.”
-Malcolm Gladwell
5. Ask for help
Remember what your teammates and directors are there for – to help and guide you in your journey as a dancer.
Even when you take class, don’t be afraid to ask the choreographer questions or critiques.
6. Acknowledge your growth
You made the step to begin dancing and the only direction you can go is up.
Even if you feel like you have a lot to improve on in comparison to your teammates, acknowledge how far you’ve come!
Are you a better dancer today then you were five months ago? If the answer is yes, then give yourself a pat on the back!
Knowing how far you've come will make you realized that growth is possible, and it's just waiting to happen.
Just take it step by step because you will reach your goal.
See Related Article: How To Set and Achieve Your Dance Goals
7. Remember why you dance
What drove you to dance in the very beginning?
That feeling is everything.
See Related Article: What's Your "Why" As A Dancer?
If you’re ever feeling uninspired or unmotivated or if you ever doubt yourself, ask yourself, “Why do I dance?” Your answer may surprise you.
See Related Article: 5 Questions You Should Ask Yourself As A Dancer
8. Don't quit.
Whatever you do, don’t quit.
Give yourself second chances. Third. Fourth. Fifth changes and on.
Never give up on something you love.
See Related Article: Overcome Your Dance Fears And Live A Creative Life
9. Remember that there actually is no weakest link.
Sure, as dancers we may be on different levels, but think of your team a chain.
The chain can break from any of its links.
Everyone has the capability to bring the team down and up.
You are just as important as anyone else on the team.
You're there for a reason.
See Related Article: How To Cultivate Positive Relationships In The Dance Community
Remember – you will only be as strong as you believe you can be.So put in the work, believe in yourself, and the rest will follow!See Related Article: Sorah Yang's 9 Ways To Get Out Of A Dance FunkHave you ever felt like the weakest link? How did you overcome it? Share your thoughts by commenting below!One way to ensure that you're growing every day is to take class on STEEZY Studio! Sign up today to start learning for free.This article was submitted by Alyssa De Guzman and originally published on July 23, 2014.
