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A Decade After Her Rise Misty Copeland Shifts The World of Ballet Once Again

 For maybe two months I’d have random moments of quick thoughts. Although quick, they were important. They were worth pondering in my mind because, whenever it actually came true, it’d mean things in dance, things in ballet are really changing. Those quick, repetitive thoughts were about the retirement of Misty Danielle Copeland.  Today was the today. Today is when I actually read the news. Although I’d been having thoughts of the inevitable, reading that NY Times headline made me feel more mentally prepared than I assumed. Allow me to explain. I recognize the retirement of Misty Copeland, just about on the heels of Gillian Murphy's, to be an announcement of a monumental shift in ballet. When I was a high school dancer, the most beautiful dancers— the dancers I looked up to, seemed to dance forever. While companies are looking younger and social media is hailing as a prominent stimulant to detect and experience true artistry, the turning of the tide is truly here.  I’ll b...
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Mental Wellness For Dancing Bodies

 It is no secret that the dance life is a complex one. Being a professional dancer is highly unique because it involves every part of the human experience. Physically, it can be incredibly demanding and at times, unforgiving. Mentally, it can some days cause you to question why you chose to dance in the first place (funny but true). Spiritually, it has the ability to lead you into a place of isolation or even artistic  emptiness. I believe this is largely in part because dance is such  a vulnerable profession. It is very involved. Aside from the things I mentioned coming along with the territory, we all know there is also the possibility of having to endure improper treatment or coming across mean people. Now is the perfect time to make a habit of shifting our mind sets for a better life and career.

I am not a person who shuns every comment of the body or ability that can come from directors or choreographers because I was, as I call it "old school dance raised". This simply means that I was trained in body and mind to recognize what it takes to be great in this field. Even with that understanding, even I have had moments of low thinking and self pity. Where are the mental wellness resources for dancers? Between body image, wanting to be our absolute best, maintaining our countenance for multiple show runs, our mindset is everything!

Dancers, upgrade your speaking and influence your thoughts. Upgrade your thoughts and your actions are sure to follow. Earlier this week I was talking to my mentee about the wrong perception some have about the famous phrase, "push through". I will suffice it to say that when you are in situations that are harmful to your body and mind, take action. While there is most likely protocol wherever you are, I encourage you to let this be your first step.

Just for you, really, for us, I have created a mental wellness resource that touches three important areas we deal with as dancers. Download your copy today and care for your mind the way you care for your body. Finally!, a mental health and wellness resource for the world's coolest people (yes, I am biased). Artists are amazing. Let's take care of us.




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