I am the first person to barrel through pain, injury, illness, etc. It’s not only in my nature, it’s how I was trained as a dancer and raised by a strict Dad. It is what I have always done throughout my career and was also common practice during my generation. That’s just what we did. Instinctually, I have similar expectations of my own dancers to a certain degree and often ask them to be mindful of their own bodies and self-awareness as such. Many of today’s dancers do have the same wherewithal and dedication to persisting and it can be a very valuable trait. It can in fact signify dedication, strength of character, perseverance, being a team player, etc.
But, I also often ask my dancers to be honest with themselves about what they can work through and what they really can’t though and we dialogue about it. At this stage of my teaching career (and perhaps becoming a Mom has also altered my perception) has me begging the question, “When is pushing though a good thing and when is it a detriment?” When does it give our young dancers the wrong message that we have to endure pain, illness, mental health issues, anxiety, etc. in order to not miss class or performance? How do we temper the idea of, “rallying ourselves” when necessary with being mindful enough to honor one’s body and mental state and not feel bad to back off and just say, ”No?”
The more this issue presents itself the more I feel it’s important as educators that we are aware of how this notion of, “barreling through” when kids are really not able to is tethered with their own ideas of disappointment. Disappointing us as teachers, parents, themselves, their fellow dancers, etc. “Pushing through” can often and understandingly be confused with strength and weakness and we need to be very careful of the narrative on this. Are they doing it for themselves or is this about you? How do we make sure dancers understand the difference of when pushing through is good and when it’s not?
Well, for one, it should always be accompanied with honest, open discussions involving students, studio owner, faculty and parents and reminding dancers they are not disappointing anyone if something is going on and they can’t perform. Is it really worth a competition trophy to have a young dancer barrel through with the flu or a sprained ankle? I can’t answer this for you, but I do know our individual responsibility is to be mindful and aware enough to make sure we do not convey disappointment to impressionable young dancers; thereby placing unnecessary pressure on them to succeed when they’re not 100% . Remember, there is always a way to, “make it work” and while it may cause some stress, it’s just as easy to re-stage a piece for a missing dancer as it is for them to take the stage with injury.
And sometimes we do need to make the final, unfavorable call to take a dancer out when we know it’s best for them because they won’t do it for themselves. And that’s our job. Just as much as teaching the steps and also pushing them beyond their comfort zone when we recognize there is more to give. It is a very delicate area for sure with a lot of gray areas, but whatever your take is on this topic, there’s one thing we can all agree on- stop and ask yourself, “What is in the best interest of your dancer?” Physically, mentally, spiritually, etc. You wouldn’t send your severely sick or injured child to school, so why should dance be any different? Let’s, “push” our dancers in the most positive, uplifting way and commit to honor them as individuals who should more so be taught how to make important decisions about themselves which are healthy, honest and right for them. That is going to nurture strong, confident dancers that know their bodies and minds inside and out. Isn’t that all we want for them anyway?
Food for thought!
See you in the dance studio,
Jess

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