“When we show our parents our class on demonstration day”
“When we’re dancing on the big stage”
“When you get your pointe shoes someday”
These phrases all paint a picture for young ballet students. We're showing them the future that we see for them. Why is this important? Because by now in the dance season the novelty of a new ballet year has worn off and dancers are smack dab in the middle of The Work. Of course we try very hard to keep class fun and engaging but the dreams of being Sugar Plum or Cavalier that brought your students into the room seem even farther off now than they did on their first day.
We need to both remind dancers of the big milestones they will reach and reassure them that we believe in them. Statements like these do that. They give dancers that little “you can do it!” boost that they need and also remind students of the people they want to become. Plus, they are great ways to redirect behavior. When we remind dancers of an upcoming milestone or event, it inspires them to act “as if” that future is now—which very often nudges out less-desirable behaviors.
Your sweet dancers work so hard—and so do you. Everyone deserves a reminder that we are on the path to reaching amazing goals!
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