Don’t Let These 5 Myths Stop Your Dance (and Life) Progress
Hello, Dancers!
As a dance instructor for over 15 years, I've observed a handful of common myths about learning to dance (or doing anything worthwhile), which often work against our progress. Human minds love to rationalize us out of doing hard things or being uncomfortable, despite knowing better. Here are some ways our thoughts will trick us out of working on our dancing:
1. Believing in Raw “Talent”
It’s tempting to think great dancers are just “naturals,” but scientists trying to quantify "talent" actually concluded that skill is entirely built, not born. Every dancer you admire has put in countless hours of practice, sweat, and mistakes. The skills come from showing up and putting in the work, not from some too-bad-i-don't-have-it talent gene.
2. Thinking Speed = Learning
We often believe that the faster we learn something, the better we’ll remember it (or the more "talented" we are at it, see above). In reality, slowing down is the key to deep learning. Taking your time to break down steps, repeat moves at a comfortable pace, and ask questions helps your body and brain truly absorb the skill. It's been proven that geniuses actually are slower, more deliberate thinkers, not faster!
3. “If It Feels Hard, I’m Not Good at It”
Doing something poorly at first is normal --and actually the first step towards doing it well. Difficulty is not a sign you’re failing, it’s a sign you’re growing. Every challenge is an opportunity to strengthen not just your skills but also your mindset. Every expert was once a beginner who struggled, stumbled, and kept going anyway.
4. “If It Feels too Hard, It’s Not Worth Doing”
Some of the most rewarding skills (and life experiences) often start out as the most challenging. The sensation of struggle is actually the brain forming new neural networks. It means you’re expanding your boundaries.
5. “I’ve Got It Now, So I’m Good”
Ever nailed a move in class or practice and thought, “I’ve got this!” only to forget it next week? Mastery isn’t a one-time event, it’s a process. Consistent practice and review are what make skills solidify into longer-term knowledge.
Bonus: “If I’m Not in the Mood, Maybe I Don’t Care”
Our modern, dopamine-fueled brains are used to instant gratification. The catch-22 is that You have to practice to enjoy it. The more you practice, the better you get--and the more fun you’ll have. Motivation often follows action, not the other way around. So if you don’t feel like practicing, try starting with one baby step. Then add another. You will get into a groove once you get moving, and you'll be more inspired to practice the next time, as your skills improve.
Don’t let these common misconceptions hold you back, on the dance floor or in life. The joy of dancing (or mastering anything) grows with every bit of effort you put in! And of course, having an encouraging instructor to help guide is a wise strategy. Please reach out if I may be of service!