Consider yourself in class, enjoying your quadruple pirouette in the mirror after a successful performance. You've been working on this move for months, and it's finally paid off! You feel proud and relieved when you land cleanly in the fourth place, and you look over at your teacher to see if she saw. Before moving on to the next student's work, she instructs, "Keep your shoulders away from your ears." Unfortunately, your good mood has been shattered. Your dance always appears to have difficulties, no matter how hard you try.
A constant barrage of corrections can make you feel overwhelmed and cause you to lose sight of your enthusiasm for the medium. Every dancer, on the other hand, must learn to deal with these criticisms. So, how can you learn to productively and calmly deal with criticism? Here are four ways for turning criticism into a positive rather than a negative experience.
Remember the Reason Why
You enrol in a dance class to better your abilities. We need comments to know what is and isn't working to progress in anything.
If someone criticises your technique, try not to take it personally. Even pros are criticised. Receiving negative feedback does not suggest that you are untalented.
Consider the Source
If you're feeling overwhelmed by criticism, take a moment to prioritise. A teacher's technique-related critique, for example, is normally given more weight than a peer or parent letter. Similarly, if you're rehearsing for a specific piece, the choreographer will undoubtedly have the last say in how steps are performed.
Remarks about your technique or performance are different from comments about your body, which are more likely to injure you, even if they are meant to improve you. So, how do you know whether to take physical comments seriously? This is when the importance of delivery comes into play. It's more essential than a peer, a parent, or an overzealous costume mistress mentioning that you must have liked your birthday cake last week if your teacher speaks to you individually and respectfully offers to cross-train.
Learn When to Let Go
Your first reaction after receiving in-class criticism might be to practise a bad move over and over again. However, sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the treatment will not be absorbed into your body that day. That's perfectly fine! Return to it with fresh eyes after sleeping on it. Though your technical issue may be caused by something you can't fix—such as short Achilles tendons or tight hip sockets—likely it's that your body requires some time to adjust.
It's not the same as giving up if you take a break to repair a problem. Consider why something isn't working properly. There may be a learning curve, and you'll need to allow yourself some time to catch up. Maybe there's a flaw that can be corrected through cross-training. Maybe it's just a terrible day; in that case, put it aside and come back to it later.
Be Kind to Yourself
Inner strength is required to handle criticism maturely and positively. You must make an effort to accept yourself as you are and to forgive yourself when things don't go as planned. Isn't it true that saying something is simpler than doing it? Consider the following scenario: As a dancer, you never stop learning. You'll face another task once you've overcome the first.
It's crucial to channel one's passion for greatness in a positive direction. Excessive self-criticism may jeopardise your goals by leading you to endure pain or hate everything you do.
After a while, this frequently leads to depression and damage. Reframe the situation by learning to operate within your body's restrictions rather than becoming frustrated.
As you progress through your training, keep in mind that you are your own toughest critic. Keep your pride in check, but remember that what you think of yourself is the most essential thing.
Also Read: 5 Things You Should Remember For Dance Competition Day
