Make yourself proud. What does that really mean? The answer, though very sought after, is fairly simple. Sometimes we focus so much on making the people around us, such as our parents, dance teachers and friends, proud of the progress that we’ve made and what we’ve accomplished, but what about ourselves? How do we (italics) feel about our progress and what extent of pride are we (italics) taking in our accomplishments? Though we may have the help and support of those around us, dance is mostly an individual walk and a journey that is custom made for each one us. In an industry that can be tough sometimes, it so important to have a strong sense of self and knowledge of who you are.
One of the key ways to gaining and maintaining a strong sense of self as a dancer in the industry is to always stay focused on why you started dancing in the first place. In order to be successful, you must always do what you’re doing for you first and for the love of the art. Always make it a point to be your own biggest fan and your loudest cheerleader. Yes, the love and support from those around you is absolutely wonderful, but there is one person who’s support matters most and that’s your own. Along the way of your journey, be content and supportive of who you are, the dancer you have become, and most of all, the dancer that you will ultimately be. Take pride in every little bit of progress that you make and even be willing to see your own short comings. And as you work to improve those short-comings, don’t be discouraged during the process. Each day of working toward your goal, is a new day filled with progress and progress is like money. It all adds up after a while.
Lastly, don’t forget to be the validation that you may seek. Sometimes we have a hard time being proud of ourselves because it’s the words, “I’m so proud of you” that we want hear coming from the mouths of others, but did you know that those words can mean just (italics) as much coming from your own mouth? As you continue your journey as a dancer, celebrate every accomplishment that you make throughout your career and add it as another notch to your belt, sort to speak. Don’t worry about receiving validation from others because at the very end of the day, it is your own happiness and self-satisfaction that matters. So, from here on out, please take care of yourself, take care of your body, give your all and don’t forget to tell yourself how proud you are of you!
What does it mean to make yourself proud? Being who you are, celebrating where you came from and being excited about where you’re going.
Keep dancing!
-Lexi
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