Brown Ballerina Advice: Learn From Our Ambassadors
Have you ever thought of a ballerina you admire and wondered how they deal with some of the ballet industry’s biggest challenges? While it helps to discuss these concerns with a trusted mentor or friend, it's just as important to seek wisdom from and be connected to a network of like-minded people who are happy and willing to share their advice!
Brown Girls Do Ballet’s community of dancers is a great place to start. This month, we reached out to our Brown Ballerina Ambassadors for their advice on stage fright, injuries, technique, socializing, rejection, and more. Read the great tips they shared below!
Stage Fright
“Take two deep breaths before every entrance!” - Nya Z.
“Shake your hands and send away all fear and negative energy out through your fingertips before going on stage.” - Gracie B.
“Dance like you’re alone in your most happy place, and do what you love to inspire the audience.” - Eden A.
“Kherington says for stage fright, she finds a quiet corner backstage and meditates. She also sometimes goes and hangs out with the littles and it helps distract her from her own fears” - Doni M.
“Stage fright is something that every single dancer deals with, especially when performing in front of big audiences. To deal with it, I remind myself that I am here to share my passion with this audience, and there's nothing to be scared about. With all the practice and rehearsals I've done, I know that now is the time to dance and just enjoy the time on the stage!” - Moriah M.
Injuries & Dance Technique
“Listen and be kind to your body! Talk to your parents and teachers about any ongoing pain so something minor doesn’t turn into something major.” - Faith C.
“For technique, I like to remember that I can work every day to stretch and improve my own technique, which is inspiration to constantly make myself better.” - Moriah M.
Rejection
“One of the most common things in the dance world is rejection. Inevitably, you will hear ‘no’ more than ‘yes,’ but that doesn't mean you aren't talented or worthy enough. Keep persisting despite challenges, and you will find your place.” - Leila R.
“One of the lessons that I had to learn was to not look at rejection as a negative thing. A positive way to view rejection is understanding that the opportunity was not meant for you. Once you are confident and clear about who you are as a dancer, this way of thinking makes more sense. I can honestly share that what is meant for you will always work out.” - Destiny W.
Socializing as a Dancer
“Something that has helped me with shyness is remembering that most of the time, everyone is in the same boat as you! At an audition or a performance, everyone has just as many nerves or worries as you do. - Alima B.
“Be careful who you surround yourself with. Who you choose to be close with can really change the way you view yourself and the way you dance. If someone is constantly making you feel like you are a bad dancer, and making you feel as if they are the standard, then they aren't your friend. I can speak from experience, I had a ‘friend’ who was really pulling me down, but once our friendship ended, I found my motivation and regained my confidence. This doesn't mean you can't talk to this person, but just don't let them get in your head because at the end of the day, you're doing this for yourself and for yourself only.” - Gracie B.
Related: 5 Tips for the Introverted Dancer
Body Confidence
“For body confidence, it is helpful to keep in mind that everyone has a different body. You shouldn't compare yourself to other people. You are going to dance differently from another person because you are you, not anyone else.” - Moriah M.
Hopefully, this article served as a great resource for navigating your dance journey. Feel free to share your own advice in the comments below!