Setbacks are, unfortunately, part of a dancer’s life. Whether you didn’t get the part in the production you wanted, you didn’t achieve the highest mark band in your exam or you are healing from an injury, there are many reasons why your enjoyment of and development in dance may falter.
At some point along the dancing journey, every dancer will experience something they perhaps were not expecting, or even anticipating. Setbacks can sometimes be unavoidable, but it is the way the dancer deals with these setbacks that is the most important thing. Whether they are big or small, it can be difficult at first to look past what has happened, but eventually it will inform you as a dancer.
Setbacks can be hard deal with if it means an injury is stopping you perform or dance to your full potential in a class, Injuries are frustrating, but this time rehabilitating the body can mean you learn more about it, and about your attitude to dance. Observing classes mean you learn so much from other dancers, and the way your teacher takes the class. Rejection too can be frustrating and disappointing, however it can mean you have a refreshed outlook when you return to class, determined to nail that pirouette or top note.
Setbacks generally knock a dancer’s confidence, and it is normal to feel upset or disheartened. It is important to allow yourself to feel the disappointment of what has happened, but ultimately this will build your resilience for next time around and will help you to grow as a dancer. Make sure you view the setback as an experience, and ensure you can take a lesson from it – definitely an opportunity in disguise!