It's the middle of the show season and everyone is clawing at each other out of exhaustion. Maybe the pressure to compete with each other is affecting your abilities to compete as a team. Or maybe you are just bouncing from class to class and can't shake your constant comparison to others and the negative vibes you feel at auditions.
Wherever you might be on your dance journey, it is easy to admit that negativity can sometimes get the best of us in this industry. A little bit of healthy competition can't hurt anybody. However, when the grip of negativity affects the way you perform or your ability to 'be your best self,' it may be time to try one of these techniques to curve those negative vibes.
1. Start your day with a smile.
It doesn't matter if your entire hometown believes in you; if you don't believe in yourself it will never land you that starring role or dance lead that you have always dreamed of. Cliche as it is, it all begins with yourself. The road will be difficult, no doubt. But that mind-over-matter mindset and a sprinkle of faith will help you to push past your limits day by day. And over time, when you've accomplished that challenge you never thought you could have, you'll be thankful you believed in yourself on day 1 of your journey.
3. Compliment others.
Curve negativity by spreading positivity, say what? It definitely feels a little odd to encourage the competition but sportsmanship can go a long way. Your compliment might be met with a cold response or, and I would bet more likely than not, it will break the ice a bit and put you both at ease for the remainder of the audition process. Who knows? You might even make a few friends along the way.
4. Redirect your focus.
This may be different per individual, but try to shift your mindset from others to your strengths, your technique, your dedication, and your drive. In no way am I saying to display excessive pride but realigning your focus may give you a healthy boost of confidence at an audition or class. You can control your efforts and abilities; you cannot control the actions or abilities of others.
5. Challenge yourself.
Complacency is the enemy of progress. It is easy to feel down in the dumps if you are not seeing any results in the development of your technique or progress in speed-learning choreography. Don't play it safe because you will be inhibiting your capability to improve. Whatever it is that needs work in your dancing skills, set a goal and stick to it. Improvement most likely won't happen overnight but when you start seeing the results you will gain encouragement to keep it up.
6. Stop the rumors.
Dance gossip is hard to avoid no matter where you are. Situations can tend to be 'political' in this industry but by adding your voice to the gossip flames, you are only adding fury to the fire. It is never okay to downgrade another dancer for his/her abilities or attitude dare I say. Be the change that you want to see and remember that you when you speak poorly about another, it reflects on you.
7. Be polite.
A little bit of respect can go a long way. This means showing up to class on time, rehearsing on the side when you are not being worked with, and listening to notes intently. In the professional dance world, these things must be habitual because you will not be asked to do them. Respect the role you are in and respect your choreographers and directors. Acknowledge the position of your dance captain and adhere to what they ask of you.
8. Create healthy habits.
Maybe for you, this means starting each day with your own ballet warm up before you get to an audition or choreography review before you get to rehearsal. It will leave you feeling refreshed and prepared before you've even started the day's duties. Maybe for you, this means separating your dance and social life in the same way any working individual tried to separate work and home life. Designate some healthy free time to spend outside of the dance realm. Another great habit to start might be a dance journal that you can record goals in and write down to steps to remember.
9. Find a role model.
Where does your inspiration come from? You love to dance but where is your inspiration stemming from today? Is it a current musical on Broadway? Is it the principal dancer in your company? Is it Instagram bloggers that showcase their dance regimens on a daily basis? Or is it a close friend who challenges you? Finding a dance figure or role model may be an important way to pour positive energy into your life.
10. Stay humble.
In today's self-driven society it's far too easy to get wrapped up in Instagram likes and other types of self-praise. We crave the approval of others. However, when confidence turns into conceit it can be harmful to ourselves and others. I can guarantee that no director or choreographer is going to place arrogance as a desired trait for members of their cast.
Be bold; be fearless; be confident. But if you lack humility, you will lose your ability to learn from others and appreciate the blessings you've been given.
At the end of the day, you can shape your attitude to stay positive in the dance world. Remember that you do have an impact on others. It doesn't have to be a negative audition experience or rehearsal clouded by self-doubt; it can be an energetic experience that lifts each other to become our best selves. Be inspired to curve the negativity in your own dance studio!
