Defining Your "Why" to Fulfill Your Potential as a Dancer

Have you ever stopped to think about why you dance?

Maybe your parents signed you up for classes when you were little or maybe you decided to go with a friend to a local studio one day...but if you've continued with it and are anything short of being forced to do it...what is your "why"?

Perhaps your answer(s) came quickly.

"I feel free when I dance"

"Dance is the most fun way to be physically active"

"It's an emotional outlet"

"I feel powerful when I dance"

"I enjoy competing in something that is a sport and an art"

"I like my dance friends and the way dance bonds us"

"I like movement and music"

If your reason(s) didn't feel obvious, not to worry, I have an exercise for you.

If your response did come quickly, let's take it a step farther...

Below is list of some common core values. After looking the list over, select the values (pick 3-5) that stand out to you as being of greatest importance.

Got um?

Ok, now look at your 3-5 overriding values and think for a moment how they might relate to being a dancer.

For example, if your most important values were bravery, gratitude, and beauty...

In what ways does dance help you honor those values?

Does dance give you continued opportunities to be brave through performing or sharing choreography?

Is dance a way in which you show gratitude for your body and its ability to move?

Is dance how you create more beauty in the world?

There are no wrong answers. Once you have values that truly speak to you, discover how they connect to dance for you.

It doesn't need to be incredibly deep or poetic. It just needs to resonate with YOU.

Once you've done this, and all your connections/assessments feel genuine, hone in on the one or two reasons that speak the loudest to you. If done thoroughly, the statement(s) chosen should evoke a feeling of purpose and/or some level of energy or excitement about why it matters.

If so....you've now defined a meaningful "why"!

Now whatever you've landed on, write it down. Physically write it. Decorate it, use calligraphy, or scribble it on a receipt, as long as you've physically taken the time to put it to paper (or canvas, or napkin) it works. Write it and put it somewhere where you'll see it or where it can be a reminder to you.

When dance feels difficult, or when your confidence waivers, this statement becomes a powerful tool in staying the course. This provides meaning and a mantra for when insecurities or comparison start to creep into your mind.

"I dance because ___________________________________"

Whatever that blank is for you, it should tie to your core values as a person and ground you in the pursuit of your worthwhile goals as a dancer.

How much more exciting it is to set goals and truly fulfill your potential when you realize why it's important to you?!

One thing to keep in mind when reflecting on your values and how dance may tie into them, is that our chief values can change throughout our life time. As we learn and grow, we often see ourselves and the world differently. Your "why" for dancing now may not have been your most important reason for dancing in the past or may not reflect your desire for dance in the future. It's good to remain flexible in our appreciation and pursuit of dance, and reassess as necessary to stay connected to the reason(s) that matter most to us.

These motivations may just change the way you see yourself as a dancer and the way you show up in your training. Finding our "why" can give us more confidence, stamina, purpose, and resolve. All of which are key to fulfilling your potential and being the dancer you were created to be.