Overall, I’d say the dance studio is my happy place. It’s where I get joy. BUT! Any dancer will tell you that sometimes you can feel really quite shit in the studio.
When I was a kid, I used to think that I had “one good week” then “one bad week” in ballet. (Not great odds and CERTAINLY not the odds I want my dancers to feel. But it did kinda help 13-year-old-me, in tougher weeks, when I could tell myself: “next time will be better”).
What I probably actually needed was someone to tell me: KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS. It’s a line I have to say to myself often now, too.
I’m well aware that if I attend a dance class, I’m not going to be the strongest there technically. I know my turn out isn’t going to wow crowds. And I know that if I learn a new acro-y trick, I’ll need to practise it loads before I nail it. It won’t necessarily come naturally.
But I also know that I will bring positive energy to any class environment. I know I’ll actively try and make other people feel comfortable. And I know that I will perform the absolute bejeebers out of any routine (and give more stage face to even the most causal of plié exercises than is really required).
And I know this will make me feel good. And that the teacher will appreciate it.
Because I can tell you, as a teacher, there is a huge range of strengths we NEED to see in a dance class.
💪🏽 A reliable double pirouette is fantastic. A reliable leader is also invaluable.
💪🏽 Someone coming in and learning 3 weeks of choreo in 20min is impressive. Someone coming to class every single week, showing consistency and commitment is equally impressive (at times, more so)
💪🏽 The person comfortable in the front row of class, asking questions or correcting me when I go left but SHOULD’VE GONE RIGHT - we need you. The person hanging out towards the back, head down focusing on getting the steps, and helping the newbies around you - we need you too.
So whether you’re having a cracking studio day or are a bit frustrated with yourself, please take 60sec to think about what your strengths are in class. And next time you’re having a wobble, lean on them.
You’re a strong dancer in many ways. Back yourself babe 🤜🏽
Angie xx
Comments