Do you ever sit down and think that if you knew the things you know now, when you were younger, things would be so different? Being a dancer is viewed as pure vibesss all the time, which is true...but also not true. Imagine having to put in the work from the age of 3?! Multitasking being a child and dance? Can never be me.......hence the beginning of all my problems. Welcome to blog post number 6!
I wish I knew that flexibility isn't the make it or break it factor in dance. I came into the game thinking that I had to be flexible to be considered a real and good dancer. To me, flexibility seemed like a prerequisite to becoming a good dancer and I barely scratched the surface. There are so many times where I wished I could turn back time and start dancing at the age of 3, then surely I would be flexible now. Unfortunately for me, flexibility equaled good dancer. Like we talked about in the previous post I really struggled with my flexibility and I sometimes still do.
I wish I knew the emotional rollercoaster being a dancer is. All the comparisons from the teachers, the other students and more so myself. The negative dialogue between myself and my other selves. Realizing that hurtful words can be said in passing without objection because that's the "essence" of the dance world. Consistently feeling inadequate and lacking, and then experiencing the opposite and meeting some of the most wonderful teachers and dancers that remind you why you got into dance in the first place. A love hate relationship.
I wish I was told that there's always going to be someone better than me, in a positive way. That it's just the way life is, and all I needed to do was focus and work on myself, for myself. Know that some dancers start at the age of 3 and while some at 16, 20, 25, and it's perfectly fine. Understand that there doesn't have to be one great dancer, but that there can be hundreds and thousands of us at the top.
I wish I realized early enough that being a dancer can look different for everyone. That being a dancer meant that I could go into performing arts, teaching, choreography, dance therapy or any other channel possible. That it is up to me to decide, to try all the options then decide, or to just dance for fun.
A glimpse of this life would have been amazing ! The life of a dancer : A Handbook. Can you imagine? Well, in as much that would have been great, I probably would have had a different set of wishes even then. The grass is always greener huh? Even so, I am grateful for these experiences, because they have made me who I am today. Hopefully they add some perspective to your journey. Hopefully you'll be able to take a look at your list of wishes and be grateful for where you are as well. Hopefully you can look at your journey through a different lens. Hopefully yours can be a story to share as well.
Keep creating & sharing!
~Your dancer friend
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