At What Point In Your Dance Career Can You Stop Learning?



By Jacie Scott

TRICK QUESTION! 

You don’t! Take it from me… a 26-year-old dancer who recently got a great reminder of this sentiment.

Last week I began my career as a Radio City Rockette, prepping for the 85th season of the Christmas Spectacular performed at the iconic music hall. (I’m still trying to let all of that sink in, by the way.) Talk about hitting the ground running! New Rockettes had to participate in a “boot camp” where we learned a small chunk of the show before cast rehearsals commenced.

Let me tell you. No matter how much I thought I was prepared for those three days, I quickly realized that NOTHING could have prepared me for them! 

Yes, I learned show choreography. Yet, I was also reminded of the beauty of corrections and the skill it takes to not only take them, but also apply them the first time around. I learned things about my body and body placement that I hadn’t before. I pushed myself mentally and physically. I learned to properly prep my body before rehearsal and properly treat my body after rehearsal (stay tuned for a blog on that). More importantly, I’ve acquired one more reason to love dancing. All of that in just THREE days, guys.

I'm sharing this with you to say that no matter what stage you're in  in your dance career – whether you’re just starting out or you’re a 20+ year veteran – there’s ALWAYS something to learn in every dance experience you encounter. Be present and soak it all in. Your directors know what they’re talking about. Your dance instructors know what they’re talking about. And at the end of the day, they’re just pushing you to be the best. So do yourself a favor, and rise to the challenge!

On the last day of boot camp, our dance captains commended us for our hard work and assured us they were here for us. Not long after they said this, our creative director chimed in:

“I’m here to push you to limits you never thought you could reach…you will leave this experience a better woman and a better dancer…” (I had chills after she said this!)

Let's be real. I have a lot more to learn as a dancer… and so do you! Make it your goal to learn something new in your dance classes/practices within the next week! Then, feel free to share your thoughts below!

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