Career Development Plan - Ballet Confidence

Career Development Plan - Ballet Confidence

Dear Odette,
I am in training and I was wondering if you could please help me with a query. I generally feel like a strong dancer in technique, however, I am constantly comparing myself to others, both physically and technically. I feel this is lowering my confidence day by day, and I am almostly constantly becoming ill or having nearly sleepless nights from stress and nerves!
I would really appreciate your help!
Thank you ever so much xxxx
P.S: I think your website is so good!

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Reply by Odette
To:- Career Development Plan - Ballet Confidence

Hello,
Thank you for contacting me, I am really pleased you did. I can really relate to how you are feeling with confidence, as probably with many other talented dancers too, it is often to easy to let your mind get wound up with confidence or putting yourself down.

As a young dancer, I went through stages where I really struggled with my confidence too. I knew I was good and had a strong technique, but it was my mind stopping me more than anything else. I acknowledged this though, like you have, and did my best each day to believe in myself.

Confidence is definitely a gradual process to build back up again, and your feelings will change as will your confidence. Yet what you must do is start now to build yourself up. Keep a journal and write down all your thoughts, strengths and talents. Ask yourself questions like, what am I good at? What do I aspire to be? If there were no limits, what would I do? How would I act differently? It is important to do this self reflection to remind yourself who you are, and what great things you are capable of.

You can even create a section on your wall or on a pinboard, and fill it with photos or words that remind you of your dreams and aspirations. Put positive quotes on and look at it all each morning, whilst reminding yourself 'I can do it!'.

It may sound too extreme or pointless, but it is these little things that can make a big difference to how you feel and your confidence in yourself.

Remember your talents in ballet and that you have great potential. If you keep everything focused like this on yourself, then you will not even need to glance at anyone else in ballet class. When your whole focus and energy is on yourself, then you can enter your own zone and not even care what anyone is doing! The class is for you.

I know it is easy to compare yourself to others, but each time you feel this habit kicking in then draw your attention back on yourself and what YOU have to work on.

Keep calm and positive thoughts in your mind, it will make a difference!

Best wishes,
Odette