Lisa Olivera, one of my favourite people on Instagram, in a recent post said, "We need to get rid of the idea that we have to be the only ones doing something, or be the best at doing it, in order for it to matter," and that hit home! For the longest time, I have carried the belief that I have to be the best to be valuable. Anything less than that just didn't cut it. Today's post isn't just for you dancer friends, this one's for us! Welcome to post number 19!
I have been having a difficult time describing myself as a dancer because I am not the best at any of the many styles I do. I am a Hip Hop dancer, an Afro dancer, a Latin dancer, a Modern dancer, and if I spend enough time working on my Tap skills I can be a Tap dancer as well, among many others. Am I the best at them? No. But am I good at them? Yes! But because we are taught that the best is what we need to strive towards, it's very difficult for it to register that there's value in being good. It's hard for my "goodness" to count for something. As a result, I find myself discontent and in a state of constantly wanting to become more. This is an exhausting position to be in as an artist...
We have been holding on to so many unhealthy notions that we need to unpack and unlearn. Our art is an expression of our true selves and the most important thing we can do is be the best version of ourselves. You don't have to be the best to matter. You don't have to be the best to be of value. You don't have to be the best to make a difference. Your best is valuable dancer friends. Your best is good enough!
Keep creating & sharing!
~Your dancer friend
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