Self-Image: the Making of a Dancesport Champion, Part 2

In my last post “Self-Image: the Making of a Dancesport Champion, Part 1“, I talked about self-esteem; what it was and why it was important to improve it as a ballroom dancer that wants to compete in Dancesport. I also mentioned one essential ingredient changing your self-image in order to become a champion: finding the hidden fears that are holding you back.

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to focus on the two ‘nutrients’ it takes to grow self-esteem: Praise from Self and Praise from Others.

Two ‘Nutrients’ to Grow Self Esteem in Dancers

Dancesport Competitors

Praise from Self:

The ongoing chatter in your head needs some attention.  What is it saying?  That chatter will tell you EXACTLY what you will become, and will determine whether or not you will win.

1. Take the time to control your self-talk, give yourself credit for doing a good job and become your own best friend.

2. Take the opportunity to get to know what is special about YOU.  Write it down and focus on it.

3. Create a Performance Analysis Journal.  Each day you train at your dance school, have a practice or a competition; record what you did that day including your objective, your goal and your successes.

4. Make writing your ‘success analysis’ the most important element.  What did you learn?  What did you enjoy?  What makes you feel great about what you did today?  How did what you did today make you more prepared for the competition?

5. Compliment yourself BIG TIME!

Ballroom Dance Class

Praise from Others:

Dancers are not in control of this, but you can talk to you dance school, coaches, parents, your partner and your friends.  Tell them that you are working on improving your self-image and that it would be helpful for them to do the following:

1. Praise often!

2. Give credit where credit is due.

3. When giving critiques or in mock judging session focus not only on how you can improve, but also include what you are doing well already.

4. Find opportunities to give praise, to help grow your self-image.

5. Be solution based – give ideas on how to improve – don’t just focus on what is wrong (this hurts the self-image).

6. Be motivated and excited about improvements and make training a positive and uplifting experience.

Self-Image changes through imprinting: words impact the self-image of the dancer/competitor in a huge way – positive or negative!  This is not just about winning titles – it’s about helping a dancer grow internally too.