National Dance Day is coming up on July 25, and I couldn't be more excited about it! Dance is both a beautiful art and an intense sport, but its entertainment factor is not the only reason to celebrate. While dancers are always striving to improve their skills, we learn many lessons along the way that are incredibly helpful both inside and outside the studio.
1) Keep smiling, even when you don't want to.
Dancers learn that facial expressions are just as important as choreography when it comes to performing in front of an audience. Even when they're out of breath and feel like collapsing in the middle of the stage, they are careful not to lose that smile. We all know life can throw some pretty tough situations at us, but we have to stay positive and face each day with a smile.
2) Practice makes (almost) perfect.
Dance training is no joke! Many dancers attend multiple classes each week to maintain and improve their technique. This type of dedication applies to anything in life we want to get better at. You can't expect to see results without first putting in the effort, as is the case with everything. However, no amount of practice assures absolute perfection, which brings us to number three on our list…
3. Mistakes are inevitable, and that's okay.
Every dancer has forgotten choreography, messed up a turn sequence, or fallen on his or her butt (a personal example) at least once. Although in the moment you just want to run off the stage in shame, you later realize it's no big deal. Likewise, the mistakes we make in life are not the end of the world, no matter how tragic they seem at the time. Remember that everybody screws up, so instead of dwelling on mistakes, learn from them and move on.
4) Presentation matters.
Presentation is essential to the overall impact of a performance. Hair, makeup, and costumes certainly have to be in order, but the general attitude dancers exude also makes a difference. They must carry themselves with a high degree of maturity and professionalism. This standard applies everywhere, for we cannot expect others to take us seriously if we don't look and act the part as well.
5. Accept constructive criticism.
Abby Lee Miller's version is a little harsh, but you get the idea. Dancers know that their instructors are there to make them better, so they learn to welcome critiques rather than fight them. Whether it's from bosses, parents, friends, or whoever, we all face criticism in our lives. But we must learn to recognize when the person giving it is trying to help and to appreciate it.
6) There will always be someone better than you.
Dancers are used to competition, and they learn early on that no matter how talented they are, there is always someone who is just a tad more flexible or can do just one more pirouette. This is a fact of life. Don't stress over being the best; just be the best you can be.
7) Never let anyone dull your sparkle.
There can never be too much sparkle in the world of dance. Dancers are encouraged to shine (both figuratively and literally). Wherever you may be in life, don't tone down your personality in order to please someone else.
8) Confidence is key.
Performing on stage in front of a huge audience definitely teaches dancers to have confidence in themselves. You have to believe in yourself before others can believe in you. Whatever you've got, work it.
9) It's good to be different.
Dancing teaches you to want to stand out from the crowd. The friends I have made through dance are some of the quirkiest, yet most amazing people I know. Don't be afraid to do you, because you are awesome. Embrace it!
10) Give it everything you've got.
One of the most important rules of dancing is to put your heart and soul into it. Dancers learn to push themselves as hard as they possibly can. This intensity is what makes for a truly incredible performance. Whatever you do in life, do it with this type of dedication. Otherwise, is it really worth it?
11) Have fun!
Isn't this what both dancing and life are really all about? Never forget to let loose and have a good time.
