/|/| Dance is not linear. |/|/

Dancer NOUN a person who dances.

A dancer is a dancer; a dancer will have their own journey, perception, skill and goals. Each dancer is different; each dancer is valuable. By accepting your personal relationship with dance and not following in the footsteps of other dancers, dance is more enjoyable- no guilt, or shame with yourself as a dancer as pressure and expectation is removed.

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The most confident dancer.

The strongest dancer.

The most flexible dancer.

All dancers have a journey with dance that is not linear.

Despite a dancer's ability, skill, passion or motivation, every dancer experiences fluctuations within their journey. All dancers are allowed to experience rocky confidence levels, low motivation, high energy, nerves that quantify different amounts daily, muscles that struggle on particular weeks and plateaus in improvement and progress.

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Nothing about dance is linear.

Dear dancers,

Why do you hold yourself to an expectation of sustained confidence? Why do you expect yourself to always be motivated, in a fluid flow of progress? This expectation of intense maintenance is unrealistic; a standard that is setting yourself up for failure.

I stopped dancing. I was still a dancer. Regardless of the straight and extended leg lines I pursued, my journey was nonetheless weak. My leotard was a battleground, I took it off and healed the scars of burnout, perfectionism and low self-esteem. This week, mental clarity and passion conquers anxiety; I have attended three ballet classes and am excited about what these steps of my non-linear journey will bring.

Yours sincerely,

Grace