Reflections and Moving Forward to 2024

Reflections and Moving Forward to 2024

I did this blog last year, so it was only appropriate to repeat it. Here are some things that I learned (or relearned) in 2023.

No One Will Do It But You

It’s a nice idea to think that others will pick up the slack you missed. But at the end of the day, you are the only one that will do the job. No one is as committed as you are to the thing you are doing, and that’s ok. No one is going to be there for you like you. They have their obligations and lives. Be your hero and show up for you.

Hard Work Will Pay Off, But Maybe Not In The Way You Thought

As I mentioned last year, progress is never linear. However, hard work and determination will get you far, just maybe not in the direction you intended.

I think about all the times I worked extremely hard for an opportunity to only not get it. Though it was insanely disappointing at the time, my hard work still paid off. I gained essential learning and practice that I could use for future gigs. I also got my proverbial foot in the door and put myself in front of people I needed to meet. Practicing harder or making a huge effort to try to get somewhere is never unnoticed.

You Only Have So Much Time

Whether we like it or not time continues every second. We don’t get seconds back. This is not to terrify anyone into being overactive or to strain themselves, but it is a reminder that every opportunity wasted is just that, wasted. You’ve been given an amazing opportunity, do not take that for granted. Take these moments like precious stones and savor every glint of their beauty. For every moment you take for granted, someone else is chomping at the bit to take them from you. One day you’ll look back and you won’t think of all the times you moaned and groaned or dipped out, but the times you did show up for yourself. Those are the moments you’ll treasure forever.

Opportunities Are Earned Not Given

Others will rarely pick you at random for the opportunity of a lifetime. All booking opportunities are made through relationships and trust. Trust is built over time by showing that you can show up and do the work. Good teachers, promoters, and show producers look for this. You won’t get picked if they don’t know who you are and if you’ll even keep your promises. Be present and prove it. This is especially true for your teachers. Teachers want to see you interested and wanting to grow. They’ll give chances to those who show genuine interest and do the work needed.

This goes in the opposite direction too. If you are given opportunities and you waste them or throw them off as not important, you probably won’t be given them again. Remember, someone else out there wants what you have right now. The second you start getting an attitude is the moment you need to check yourself. Which brings us to…

Talent Gets You In the Door, Professionalism Keeps You There

You’ve done it. You’ve dazzled the important person and you’ve made it. Now what? The work doesn’t end there. You’ve set an expectation for yourself and others that you need to keep. I’ve seen it time and time again. A dancer gets into a show or a booking and starts slacking. They show up late, they cancel last minute, and they show inappropriate behaviors. Eventually, they slack so much that the producer will remove the dancer and the opportunity will be taken away.

Be professional at all times. This means at the gig, in front of your teachers, in front of your peers, and the public. Keep your promises. Be respectful of others. And omg, don’t be rude. I’ve written a whole blog on professionalism here.

So what about 2024?

Well, I have a few things planned. We are coming into our 7th year as a dance studio. This will be my 11th year teaching and my 15th year dancing. The shows I planted seeds for are flourishing and I can’t wait to see them grow larger. I’m excited to see others’ gardens grow with me, as my students continually amaze and dazzle me. As a dancer myself, I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can this year from as many people as possible. Learning never should stop no matter how long you’ve been doing it. I’ve still got a lot to learn.

What are your plans for 2024?