Dearest reader,
Some of you may know that I am a dancer and have done ballet for 20 years as a hobby, however, I still have dance goals and want to improve as a dancer and a performer as much as possible. That is why, this year I set myself a big goal: to become a better artist.
I don't mean to become better only within the realm of expression or storytelling but also when it comes to my mindset. Namely, the way I have been thinking has always limited myself in one way or another and I am finally DONE. In fact, last December I randomly woke up and had a Realization No.1, I am never going to be this young again. This is it. I will never have this moment again and I better start doing what I actually want.
That was when, I started investigating what more could I do to in order to become a better dancer and an artist, and most importanly, a happier me. Luckily, there is always something to be done and after some soul searching I arrived at my Realization No.2, being an artist is something I cannot escape. My whole life has been dedicated to the performing arts and while I can pretend to be something else, deep down, this is what I truly love.
Needless to say, I could talk hours about Realization No.2 but I will spare you. Instead, in this article, I want to share four steps that have helped me to turn my limiting mindset into an abundant one, so I can go forth to fulfill my potential as this imperfect, messy human artist. And so can you! SO let's jump in!
(Note: I am putting this down also for myself, therefore I am trying to sound very firm and confident in the following.)
Step 1
View yourself as whole
Mind-body relationship
As a dancer or a performing artist the single most important thing I have learned only recently is that your midset is half the journey: what you think, feel and say profoundly affect your body, performance and being. Essentialy, you are one unit where your mind and body are not two different entities but rather coexist in a unique relationship, where, if one fails the other one fails too. And since dancers often focus on physical goals many of us forget that mental health is actually the key to success no matter how big or small. Your mind is more powerful than you realize and your body smarter than you think!
My mindset tips for artists
Notice how you talk to yourself about your dreams and goals. Are you putting yourself down? Are you constantly comparing yourself to others? Do you believe in yourself? Do you trust yourself? Do you respect yourself?
Break down your negative self talk by writing. For example, if you don't believe in yourself try to pin down why, and then honestly admit or decline those accusations. You can ask help from a friend or a family member who know you well. If some of it is true think about realistic everyday steps to overcome your disbelieve such as taking a course in an area you're lacking or coming up with a routine to kick a bad habbit.
Compare yourself only to your past self. You are not that person so there is no need to be like them. Of course, it is great to discuss, draw inspiration and ask help from other people but your artistic development is down to your unique position in this world. Write down things that make you a unique artist in your field and how have you develop compared to your past self five years ago. Be realistic. No one is neither picture perfect or a hopeless cause.
Lay down boundaries for yourself. Do not accept the kind of treatment from yourself what you wouldn't tolerate from others. Ask yourself: is this something I would say to another person? Are these thoughts helpful for my develpment as an artist? Am I in the way of steping into my full potenial? Remember hars facts can be said in a constructive way.
Take yourself seriously as an artist (but also, not TOO seriously). Just because you haven't gone to certain schools doesn't mean you are any less capable or worthy to learn and grow as an artist. Once you realize this your work, dedication and thinking is going to take new heights.
Step 2
Become a learner & a doer
The importance of reflection and action
In order to grow into your full potential as an artist you have to accept that learning is infinite. You are never going to be ready but you can always be better, and that is the beauty of it. So, while you learn, use that knowledge to build rutines and actions that are going to take you to the next level: reflect after every class, rehearsal and performance what was good and where you need to improve; set both short and longterm goals and investigate opportunities both inside and outside of your school, city or country. Every step is still a step to some direction.
Moreover, accept that what you need to learn and how will change during your life. Remember reaching your full potential is not just about skills but also having the wisdom to understand how to continue learning and doing in your changing situation.
Learning tools for dancers/artists
Start a dance journal (or an artist journal) where you record your classes, store feedback, keep track of your goals and create steps to make your dreams a reality. Make it a place of honesty and inspiration where your story is recorded.
Find your art philosophy, someone or something that speaks to your world view. It can be a book, a quote, a specific technique or a way of being, or a combination of all of those things. It is so important to build a foundation for your artistic thinking because that will help you expand your world as your grow and gives you a space to crawl back when you're feeling down.
For instance, the world of ballet has always been my artistic foundation which has expanded into a love of classical music, Bartenief Fundamentals, Jane Austen books and most recently opera.
Step 3
Find your mentor
and then, grow into your own mentor
Finding your mentor(s) is actually one of the best things you can do for your development as a dancer/artist at any state of your career. Not only can a mentor give you objective feed back but also encourage and push you to explore areas of your artform you hadn't thought about pursuing. A good mentor will also give you food for thought and help you grow into a better artist.
But remember, you are still the one responsible for your artistic growth, so stay alert about where you want to go with your art. For example, if you feel like you are not learning enough with your current teacher/mentor you have every right to seek out a different teacher/school/company that supports your goals as an artist.
Personally, after 20 years of dancing ballet, I can nowadays tell very quickly when a teacher is going to benefit my goals and needs as a dancer. That's not say you cannot learn something from every teacher you have. You absolutely can and will. However, teaching styles vary and not all are going to suit and motivate you. Once again, stay alert, because at the end of the day, you have to grow into your own most trustworhty mentor.
What I look for in a teacher and how I mentor myself
What I look for in a teacher:
I need my dance teacher to be precise and pay attention to detail. I have no time for lousy teaching, so a teacher has to be interested in truly shaping my technique and expression into perfection.
I need my teacher to be kind, inspiring and understand that progress is going to take time.
I need my teacher to be a professional in her/his art. I have no interest in dance competitions, which is why, I usually prefer teachers from established art institutions that are dedicated to high quality art education.
How I mentor myself:
By dance journaling and paying attention to my teacher's corrections and feedback I am able to make decitions that denefit my artistic growth. For example, I took an extra technique class this spring because I realised I need to train more in order to achieve my dance goals. I also applied to study music so I can develop my musicality and artistry for dancing.
By staying on top of what is happening in the world of my artform helps me to see where I want to go within that world and what steps I need to take. Seeing and hearing from other dancers and teachers keeps me checked and gives ideas what I need to learn next. For example, I am in the process of learning more about ballet composers and music because of a ballet teacher I watch on Youtube explained why it is important.
Step 4
LOVE the process!
It is not about the destination
I know, I know! For the past five minutes I've been chewing your ear off about reaching your artistic goals but, at the end of the day, if you don't enjoy the process those goals do not matter. When you look back at your life, you want to arrive to the finish line knowning you loved how you got there despite of the outcome. For me, true artistry is embracing all parts of the process.
Let me know in the comments...
How are you becoming a better artist?
Do you think these steps are helpful for you?
What steps would you add to this article?
Have you already applied these steps to your life?
Thank you so much for reading!
Yours truly,
Siiri
PS: if you liked this post tap the heart below, so I know to make more like this!
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