In Need of Inspiration

[Tutulicous]

In the past I have always gone through less inspired and more inspired times concerning dance. I might see a ballet that inspires me to work so much harder or perhaps another dancer at my studio will inspire me to push forward towards my goals in Ballet. But these days I'm struggling to find inspiration. I don't want to sound cocky, but I am the best ballet dancer at my studio and the only one in my level (which is the highest level the studio offers). I have never allowed my ability as a ballet dancer to get to my head, but now I feel almost as if there is nothing to work towards. I know this is a very dangerous mindset in the arts.

 

I find myself lacking the motivation to work hard on persueing my goals. I still work as hard as I can in ballet class, so that isn't a problem. The problem is that I'm not watching what I eat these days and I can't bare the thought of exercise other than dance (pilates and such). This is really starting to become a hassle. I have been admitted to the UCT School of Dance next year, and I would like to be fit as a fiddle when I walk in there in February but because of the above statements I feel like I'm going to walk in there a worse dancer than I usually am.

 

I would love to know what other dancers do in times like these to motivate themselves and where you find your inspiration from when nothing else seems to work.

[Victoria Leigh]

I'm very glad to hear that you are going to a new school, as that would have been my first suggestion. However, since it happens in February, which is barely more than 2 months away, I would think that alone would be your inspiriation for being at the very top of your game, so to speak. I know it's hard when you have no one to challenge you, but that simply means that you have outgrown that school and it's time to move on. Since that will happen very soon, I suggest that you get your act together and work harder than ever!!!

[Mel Johnson]

Oh dear, how to talk about vocation at 6:30 in the morning?!

 

You are in a transition state, where education for a professional life turns from something you do near home to something that you may be doing with the rest of your life! This is a part of being "called" (hence, "vocation") to dance. Balanchine said it, "I don't want people who want to dance; I want people who have to." It's not an unfamiliar place; lots of people about to embark on university-level study have to come to grips with it. Doctors and lawyers and the other "professionals" wrestle with it all the time - so do clergy! So now, you have to ask yourself, "Is this my way of life for the rest of my life?" It's a knotty question, and only you can answer it.

[vrsfanatic]

Please remember that this is the Young Dancer's forum where only the Moderators and YDs are permitted to respond to the members. Thank you for your understanding.

[Tutulicous]

I know that dancing is definately what I want to do for the rest of my life, no question about that. I think I should take Miss Leighs advice and just get my act together and work harder than ever. Thanks for the advice.

[kwdancer13]

I have often felt this way too. I do the same as you, finding inspiration from dancers or performances. I think it's important to remember why you dance. What it is that you love about ballet. Many times when I find it hard to get the inspiration to do the outside work, exercise and eating, etc, I remember how much dance means to me and why exactly I do it. Maybe if you just remember why you dance and what you want to achieve with dance, it could help you find the inspiration to keep pushing.