BALLET DANCERS

Shate’L. Edwards is a professional choreographer and dance educator in Dallas, TX. She gives us 3 life lessons her students learn in dance class.

1. Embrancing risks

One of the main concepts I reinforce is the importance of taking risks and pushing yourself to grow. I teach tons of hip-hop classes, and while the idea of dancing to your favorite songs in class sounds fun, you’d be surprised how fear takes over once they realize they’re actually learning stylized movement and are charged with the ever-so-dreaded task of freestyling.

2. The importance of progress over perfection

It’s in those moments, I must remind them that they didn’t all start at the same place, and therefore shouldn’t be expected to perform at the same levels. I talk a lot about not comparing yourself to others and about learning to be comfortable where you are. And wouldn’t you know, even with all of my experience and credits, I’m still learning to take my own advice in that area.

3. Not fearing failure

Finally, at least within the confines of this article, I emphasize to students that there is life after their mistakes. I notice that fear of failure causes students to either quit once they’ve made a mistake, or decide not to try at all. I’m sure you’ve seen it too. When it’s time to perform the combination in groups, there are always a few who completely freeze after a mistake or those who conveniently need to excuse themselves to the restroom.

Photograph by Florent Gold

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