5 Things That Will Keep Your Career Moving

 Persistence, Teachability, Preserving Connections, Respect, Having Fun.

Let's begin with the latter. Having fun with your career is paramount. Don't get so attached to "off days" or the days when you don't feel like being present. As one of my mentors says, dance is hard enough. Work through even the crumby days and find a reason to smile. Remember why you are where you are. Ignore your feelings and choose to have fun. This season in the ballet company I had to do that quite a bit. It shifts your perspective and makes the days easier. You will also learn and execute better.

Respect. You cannot develop in your authenticity nor in the standards of your craft if you do not respect what you do. Learn more about it, do what it takes to improve, don't slack off. Something I've been learning since beginning my professional career in undergrad, people love honest workers. No wants to hire those who are not invested. If you get through the door, you won't be returning. 

Preserving connections. Great connections are worth maintaining. Although the dance world has proven to be super small, there is someone in every corner of its industry. Sometimes it isn't what you know but who you know.

Teachability. This one speaks volumes all on its own. 

Persistence. If you do not give up you will see consistent victories. Those victories increase your confidence and that will inevitable increase you as an artist.