Dancing Through Adversity: How Dance Training Builds Resilience and Confidence

Studying dance isn’t for the faint of heart. Not only does the practice take a toll on your body, often leaving you with strains, sprains, and other injuries, but it can also leave marks on you mentally, due to the many recital rejections and critiques you may receive. But for those who truly love to dance, these hardships only make them stronger. Dedicated dancers push past the negatives and keep making leaps forward (sometimes literally) to make their dreams come true. 

So, how does a dance education help you build resilience and confidence? Let us count the ways. 

You Learn to Keep On Moving

What happens when you fall down in the middle of a dance performance? Some people might be so embarrassed that they run off the stage and try to regain their confidence. Not dancers. They know that this happens sometimes and that the only thing they can do is ignore it. They pretend that they didn’t fall and get right back up and into position. This gives them plenty of resilience, as well as confidence because they know that they can get up and try again. 

You Learn to Dance despite the Pain

Data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network concludes that dance is the most physically demanding job in the country. The research looked at five types of physical activity — dynamic strength, explosive strength, time spent running or walking, stamina and trunk strength. Studies have also shown that 80 percent of dancers incur at least one injury a year that affects their ability to perform, compared to a 20 percent injury rate for rugby or football players. That is why it is so important to learn how to care for your body as a dancer and surround yourself with competent trainers and therapists. 

You Learn to Not Give Up

When you first start dancing, everyone in the class ends up in the recital. As things progress and you move through the ranks, this changes, and you end up having to audition for programs and performances. Not everyone is selected, and it can be tough to find that you didn’t make the shortlist. However, this isn’t a sign to stop dancing, but to learn new skills and push yourself to compete. The mindset of an elite dancer is knowing not to give up simply because of one failure. 

You Learn to Listen to Criticism

Constructive criticism is a regular part of the dance world. Teachers, trainers, and choreographers all have their own opinions of how dancers should look and move. As you progress, you’ll receive more and more feedback regarding your performance. This criticism isn’t designed to belittle or discourage you from dancing. On the contrary, it’s meant to help you get better as a dancer and exceed expectations. By being able to see past what may feel like insults, you’ll improve and learn that criticism has its benefits.

Study Dance at Dean College

Do you want a solid dance education? Dean College has both BA and BFA programs that may just work for you. You’ll learn about different types of dance, as well as movement in general, among other things, setting you up for a life as a professional dancer, teacher, and more. In addition, Dean is one of only a dozen colleges in the U.S. that has a full-time certified athletic trainer on staff, dedicated to the performing arts. Join us!