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The Problem with Perfectionism

By Philippa
6 August 2013 
Last month’s blog post really struck a chord with a lot of people 
(thanks everyone for all the facebook likes and shares!). I am 
feeling quite humbled, but also compelled to write more…

Because although perfectionism is so pervasive in the dance-world, 
not a lot of dancers are aware of the impact it is having on them, 
or how it can actually prevent them from performing at their best.

So today, let’s delve a little deeper into the dark side of 
perfectionism...

What’s so bad about perfectionism?

At first glance, perfectionism can seem like an amazing thing, and perfectionists, amazing people. And it’s true – there are certainly many wonderful benefits of perfectionism:

  • You work very hard
  • You have very high standards
  • You are reliable
  • You care about what you do
  • You pay attention to the most intricate details
  • You achieve amazing results

What could be so bad about that???

But there is also a down-side to perfectionism that can be really debilitating.

Why Dancers’ Mental Health Is Vitally Important

By Philippa
4 July 2013

 

2 articles I’ve read recently have just got my blood pumping.

One highlighted how dance and the types of personalities it attracts (um, perfectionists…) are linked to higher incidences of eating disorders, which are the deadliest of all mental disorders.

And then just a few days ago, was the shocking story of a talented principal dancer from the Eugene Ballet in the US, who unexpectedly committed suicide, leaving a note for his wife on the door of their home.

Such devastating stories show how *vitally* important it is for dancers to take care of their mental and emotional health.

Teachers: Want to shape your students’ motivation?

By Philippa
4 May 2013 
Here’s one for all you dance teachers out there!

Dance teachers love teaching motivated students.

You know the ones:

They come up to you after class for tips on how to improve this or that step and then practice it at the end of every class for the rest of the week to see their improvement. In performance psychology terms, these students are known as being “task-oriented”. They are motivated by the challenge of learning and mastering new steps and skills… and they are a pleasure to teach.

On the other hand, have you ever had a student who is very talented, but hardly tries?! They only work hard when your eye is on them, or when the director is looking through the window. They pull out their best for competitions, but you know they have the potential to be a much better dancer if they put consistent effort in.

Lessons for Babies and Ballet Dancers

By Philippa
4 April 2013 
A chance for me to make a blog post in the midst of baby-brain 
(and an excuse to show off some proud-mama pics of my gorgeous 
girl Noemi!). Here are some lessons I'm learning, perhaps you 
can learn from them too?

1)   Do not despise small beginnings, remember them and be astounded at how much you can grow

Food – friend or foe? Part 2

By Philippa
1 February 2013 
So, here it is, Part 2 on Food – friend or foe? (The friendly part)
For those who missed it, Part 1 is over here!

 

Now, I’m not a nutritionist, so you won’t be hearing me say to go out and eat bucket loads of kale (although I do hear its good for you!). I am a counsellor, so instead I’ll be talking about the mindsets & attitudes toward food & eating that can help it remain (or become!) a relaxed, healthy part of life.

Food as friend = Freedom

To start with, a healthy relationship with food needs to be based on freedom not control… so how do you define freedom with food?

Food – friend or foe? Part 1

By Philippa
18 January 2013 
Sorry it’s been awhile between posts – 
I’ve been busy growing a baby and surviving the silly season!
I’ve also found myself with gestational diabetes… :-(
Fortunately for me, it’s very mild and only lasts during pregnancy, but it 
has meant having a diet plan and monitoring my carb & sugar intake, which 
takes me back to that familiar place of focusing on food that I remember 
only too well from my dancing days. 
Hence the subject of today’s post (and my next one): Food – Friend or Foe? 
Enjoy!

 

I’ve always said that every dancer has a unique relationship with food.

As dancers, your body is your instrument and so how your body looks can easily affect how you feel about yourself (your self-confidence) and how others perceive you – including your teachers & directors.

6 Steps to Pre-Performance Calm

By Philippa
14 November 2012

Dance studios all over the place are currently preparing for their Christmas performances and showcase displays… it can be a stressful time, and especially on performance day itself, the jittery nerves can easily get the better of you.

Ever happen to you?

  • You are doing really fine until you suddenly think about your mum or your boyfriend or your director sitting in the audience watching you, and suddenly you fall to pieces…
  • While the dance before yours in going on, you stand side of stage, with legs that have turned to jelly, hands that are cold and sweaty and you feel more like running to the bathroom than on stage…
  • You make it on stage but then you go completely blank, you’re in the front line looking like a deer in headlights…
  • You have to hold a pose on stage for awhile and you get that nervous twitch in your smile and you can’t make it stop …

All of these things are common in stage-fright. Nerves and adrenalin are part of performing but you don’t want to let them get the better of you. Here are some things you can do to help you keep cool, calm and collected.

Don’t let self-doubt hold you back from your destiny.

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