The One About Peeling Back the Layers

note: The following advice seeker posted this call for help in the JOYFUL BALLROOM PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP. If you’re not already a member, click the join button. It’s wonderful community of like-minded folks dedicated to ballroom dance.

Dear Dance Diva,

I’m struggling today and looking for some advice.

I’ve been dancing for about 4 years. One of the first super fun moves I learned was the East Coast tuck turn! I probably learned and started doing that regularly after about 6 months of dancing. Well today my instructor literally picked apart that tuck turn. I can’t get the lesson out of my head and just keep thinking,”Gosh! If I’ve been doing this so poorly for nearly 4 years what else is this bad?!? Should I even be doing this style at all? I should certainly not attempt to compete with this move!”

How do I reframe this situation to make it more growth-oriented and positive? I’m struggling to find a way right now.

Anonymous Dancer

Dear Anonymous Dancer,

What you are experiencing is common among athletes and anyone learning something new, including me and The Dancing Doc. Just when we feel comfortable with something, our coach completely deconstructs it. I will tell you, this is a good thing and it’s what keeps you on a steady path toward not only improving, but being the best dancer you can be.

Think of your dance knowledge like the layers of an onion. The more proficient you become, the more layers you begin to peel back. You may not have been ready to receive the information your instructor recently gave you when you were first learning tuck turns four years ago, but after doing them over and over again since then, you’re ready for the next layer to be peeled away. Rather than getting caught in a negative thought loop, stop and celebrate the victory of being ready to receive the next layer of information. Embrace the knowledge and buckle up because just a soon as you feel like you’ve mastered this last round of corrections, my guess is your instructor will be peeling back the next layer! Growth happens outside the comfort zone and that’s where you are right now…go with it and know this too shall pass… until you peel away the next layer!

Good luck and Happy Dancing!

Dance Diva

Need advice? Ask the Dance Diva…

Instead of my real name, sign me as...

We will keep your identity and personal information private. What clever alias would you like to use in stead of your real name?

Name *

First

Last

Email *

What dilemma can the Dance Diva help you solve? *

DISCLAIMER: By submitting a question to this website, you agree to this disclaimer and grant permission, to those acting as or on behalf of The Dancing Housewife and Dear Dance Diva to publish your question and the answer on this site or elsewhere including print publications. Your full name, email address or any personal information you may disclose will never be published or posted. Due to the large number of questions received, there is no guarantee that a question will be answered or published on the site. Advice offered and opinions expressed in this column are intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute professional advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation in which you require legal, psychological, medical or any specialized professional help, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified specialist. The advice offered and opinions expressed in this column are not intended to treat or diagnose; nor are they meant to replace the treatment and care that you may be receiving from a licensed professional, physician or mental health professional. This column, its author, owner and publisher are not responsible for the outcome or results following any advice in any given situation. You, and only you, are completely responsible for your actions.

The Dancing Housewife

“Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” Friedrich Nietzsche

note: The following advice seeker posted this call for help in the JOYFUL BALLROOM PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP. If you’re not already a member, click the join button. It’s wonderful community of like-minded folks dedicated to ballroom dance.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply