Dancers Discipline.

Discipline: To Train or Instruct.

With reference to the oxford dictionary, discipline involves instruction intended to mold the mind and character of an individual whilst teaching to install a sense of proper and orderly conduct: with application to dance, discipline involves learning, practicing, and demonstrating expected behaviours specifically associated with ballet.

In dance, we implement our own self-discipline by overcoming our weaknesses and taking responsibility over our work, performance, and emotions.

Self-discipline is not a measure of what we can already handle, but an approach to working outside of our comfort zone and being able to further apply this to professional practice and daily life.

Younger dancers are supported by their ballet teacher, who commits to implementing structure to their lessons, focusing on barre, centre, and floor combinations, allowing them to practice focusing on exercises both orderly and logically. Teachers provide feedback and correct technique and execution throughout their practice, whilst setting boundaries on class attire, behaviour and work ethic.

As we develop as a dancer with an understanding expectation within ballet, we begin to practice self-discipline. This involves practicing combinations and choreography, self-reflecting and implementing methods which help overcome challenges, meeting the standards of ballet class, and committing time towards self-reflection and improvement.

How do we improve our self-discipline as a dancer?

• Set Goals – When you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you become more focused and motivated.

• Create a Routine – Establishing a daily routine keeps us on track for good habits which work towards our dance goals.

• Take responsibility – Be honest about your successes and failures with your practice and identify how to improve.

• Practice mindfulness – By removing distractions and being present, we can manage our distractions.

• Recognise achievements – celebrating progress builds momentum when reaching our goals.

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This application of self-discipline supports dancers when applying their work professionally.

By practicing self-discipline as a dancer, we learn how to look inwards; paying attention and developing an awareness of our mind and body, we become able to make positive decisions regarding our dance success. We become wary of unhealthy habits and these weaknesses become easier to adapt or overcome. Through self-discipline, we learn about ourselves as dancers, finding our style and more successful methods of dance practice: we become our best self- our best dancer.

The concept of self-discipline can be challenging, however, once we build trust in our ability to progress and achieve, confidence and determination increases. Moreover, we learn how to forgive ourselves and value the importance of making mistakes.