I am sure that older dance teachers will be able to relate to these things I wish I had known as a young dancer. And now into my fifties, I can’t do all I could then, but imagine what I would have looked like if I could apply all the knowledge I have gained over the years to my training back then.
As we grow older and wiser there are always new things that you learn that you wish you had known as a young dancer or young person.
Here are some of the top ones that would have made such a difference in my dancing.
Things I Wish I Had Known As A Young Dancer
Here is my list. Please feel free to add more in the comments if you think of any.
- Lack of confidence is probably the biggest thing holding you back.
- Do your strength training. Cross-training is great for dancers. Dancers are athletes so you need to train like one if you want to improve.
- Stop comparing yourself to other dancers, you are wasting both time and energy.
- Practice makes progress, not perfection.
- Dance class is a place for learning, perfection is not required.
- It’s never too late to reach your dance goals. Make goals and work out how you are going to get there.
- Count the small wins, because progress is not linear.
- Look after your body. Eat well and make sure you are getting enough vitamins, minerals, and iron in your diet.
- Never compare your body to other dancers. We are all unique and we all have our strong and weak points.
- Always warm up before class. A cool-down is also important.
- Flexibility and strength are equally important as a dancer.
- Look after your feet, they need to take you right through life.
- Never sacrifice your technique to get your legs higher or your turnout to 180 degrees. Work with your body, not against it.
- Always be yourself, and not what you think others want you to be.
- If you are taking dancing seriously, you need to try and do more than one style. This will help you immensely in your professional career and will help you to pick up choreography quickly.
As teachers, it is our job to help dancers become the best dancers that they can be, and it is not always about the physical, but the mental blocks too.
I don’t dance anymore now and If I did, I definitely wouldn’t be able to dance nearly as well as I did when I was younger. As I read your post, all I could think of was mentorship for younger generations. Beyond dancing, there are several aspects of my life that I would have handled differently if I knew then what I know today. There is a saying that ‘experience is the best teacher’ But it doesn’t have to be your personal experience. Older folk must find ways to impact the lives of younger ones by sharing their knowledge and experiences. Thank you for sharing insights that you have gained over the years in this post and on your site.
This holistic approach to dance is refreshing. Classical dance especially has a rigorous, almost inhuman reputation, so I’m so glad to see you emphasizing strength training and nutrition. I would also add Alexander Technique, as it’s a perfect compliment. I worked for many years with ballet dancers as a repetiteur and saw some of the terrible damage that can be done if self-care isn’t practised. I also worked on dancer’s spines to find a similar story! So, please muster all your experience and wisdom to guide these tender young dancers!!
I’ll be back. I’m a fan! 🌺
Thanks for stopping by Linden. Luckily dance organisations worldwide now are practicing safer training methods than in the past, so that helps. But extra support for the dancers in the form of Pilates or Alexander Technique is really good for them, as it helps them to learn to work with their muscles in the right way and avoid injuries.
This is a great article for young dancers! The advice is spot on, and I especially appreciate the emphasis on confidence, setting goals, and listening to your body. I also agree that dancers should train like athletes and focus on improvement, not perfection. It is important to find a balance between strength and flexibility. Dancers should also take care of their feet and avoid injuries. The article emphasizes that dancers should be themselves and not compare themselves to others.
I would also add that it is important for young dancers to find a supportive community. Dance can be a challenging art form, and it is important to have people who can encourage you and help you through tough times.
I hope this comment is helpful!
Thank you for stopping by Petr. It is wonderful nowadays that dancers have the support of internet communities, which was something we never had growing up.
I am very much passionate about dance. I found your reflections incredibly relatable and insightful. It’s amazing how much wisdom we accumulate over the years and how much it could have benefited us if we had known it earlier. It’s so true that lack of confidence can be a significant barrier. If only we had known the power of self-belief earlier, many of us could have pushed our boundaries further.
“Practice makes progress, not perfection” is such a refreshing perspective. Focusing on continuous improvement rather than an unattainable ideal is a much healthier mindset.
Thank you for sharing these valuable lessons. It’s a great reminder that our dance journey is as much about personal growth and self-discovery as it is about physical achievements.
Thanks for stopping by to comment. I appreciate your words of wisdom.