Lately, I’ve been reflecting a LOT on how I have grown both as a dancer and as a person. I find that being a senior, I tend to contemplate the way I live my life more often than not because I’m suddenly being pushed to go out into this big adult world when I barely know what life is all about yet. But what I do know is how much I have grown and how I’m going to take this growth and learn from it, cherish it, embrace it. I want to help others grow not only as dancers but as people too, and that’s why I decided to take on an officer role on my team. It’s been rough and there were definitely times when I felt I needed to step back for a while, but I knew that if I kept pushing myself, it would be worth it. And it has been.
Here are 10 things I learned both as a growing person and a growing dancer (in no particular order):
1) Perform like you won’t be given the chance to ever again. Any performance can very well be your last due to an injury, or a life situation. This can also be related to life! Live life to the absolute FULLEST, because you only have one. You don’t wanna waste it on half-hearted thoughts and actions.
2) Look out for others. When you see that someone is struggling, offer any help that you could give them. And if you can’t personally give them the help they need, guide them to someone who can. It is so appreciated.
3) Don’t be afraid to speak up. I have personally struggled (and still struggle) on this one, but understand that your voice is relevant. If you’re afraid that your opinion will offend someone, think about how you want to deliver your message but STILL SAY IT. More often than not, your opinion (if it comes from a good place) benefits those who hear it. Especially if you’re on a team.
4) It’s okay to step back and let others take the lead on things. When you’re on a leadership team, you’re constantly picking and choosing your battles and sometimes it’s best to let things go even if you don’t agree. If it isn’t harming anyone and could potentially help the team, why not let it happen?
5) Respect each other!!! I can’t say this enough, but the world would be a much happier place if we all just respected each other’s differences. We are all different in our own special, quirky ways. You don’t have to be friends with everyone, but respect goes a really long way.
6) Communication is KEY. If you have a problem with someone, tell them. Yes, confrontation can be terrifying. But the sooner you handle an issue that you have with someone, the sooner you’ll be able to get rid of the negative energy and stress that comes with having “beef” with someone. By the end of your conversation, you’ll understand each other better and there will be no hard feelings anymore! (usually)
7) Dancing (or any other passion that you have) should be a safe space for you. When you learn to let yourself go through whatever you love to do, you’ll discover things about yourself. Things that you wouldn’t think was a part of you, but it’s a beautiful piece of you that can only be found through letting go.
8) Never stop learning. Whether it’s taking dance workshops, watching videos, or connecting with other dancers, I found that my love for dance amplified as I gained more knowledge about it. Your passion should be something that you want to know more about, something that intrigues you to your very core. Knowing more about it will deepen that passion.
9) Mistakes are inevitable; embrace them. Life is full of mistakes. You can either let them take over and control your life, or you can choose to embrace them and learn from them. See? Learning again. It’s important!
10) Last but certainly not least, HAVE FUN! It’s so easy to get down by life. When you do start feeling sad, dance! Do what you’re passionate about! If it’s karaoke, grab that microphone and sing like you’re Gloria Estefan herself! Grab some friends and have a movie night! Live your life, because it’s yours and nobody else’s. The world’s a stage and you’re the star!
Hopefully you gained some inspiration from my little life mottos, are there any mottos that you live by?
-Sofia V