thinking positive

[dancerfreak5678]

I know that everyone has had a move that they could not do. Like me you probably beat yourself up for it. And when the came came to do it in a routine or across the floor you probably messed up because you lost your confidence in yourself. It's all because it's in your head. I was wondering if anyone wanted to share how they keep thinking positive in a situation such as this.


~Keep Dancin!!!~

[Adwiz]

Great topic, as we've all faced that kind of challenge.

I find that the best way to overcome it is to think back to a victory, like a particular performance where I know I was great. That way my brain is reminding me that I'm really good enough to get this.

Makes me think of a story told by motivator Anthony Robbins. He was coaching the tennis great Andre Agassiz after an injury and they watched videos where Andre won and lost great matches. Tony would ask him, how did you feel when you started that match? On the games where he won, Andre would answer, "I was thinking (about the competitor), why did you even bother to show up?". On the games where he lost, Andre would answer, "I was remembering the last time he beat me." Shows how much the mental part has to do with our success.

[salsachinita]

I was just thinking along a similar line.....funny this topic came up :o

I am ALWAYS too keen when it comes to beating myself up. There are a few moves in salsa I have been having trouble with (the 'vacila' in Rueda is one).

Last night I did my first 'official' L.A. style class (most of my moves are learnt over the years of dancing with people at clubs) & I realised I SUCKED at it.

Then I went out dancing, still beating myself up over the whole thing, whispering to myself: "Wow, I've got A LOT of work to do!"

Then the band started. It was as though something inside me flicked & lit up. The place was packed, most of them there have been watching me dance with looks of admiration from weeks before ("that girl just LOVES to dance!"). I grabbed a friend & we were the first on the floor. I was completetly seduced by the music, so I seduced my partner with it....and he did it back to me. We glided and became ONE with the heart beat of the music.

All it took was a flick. A change of feeling. An hour ago I was stumbling in the studio. An hour later, gliding across the floor in a warm summer night out in the open of riverfront.

This feeling is what I have to remember, next time I struggle with a move. Instead of saying "I sucked"; I will be saying "I am not yet familiar with it" or "I havn't clicked".

I need to remember the reason why I dance. Moves may or may not happen each time, but my LOVE for salsa remains. This thought keeps me strong & positive.

:wink: keep LOVING the dancing!! :wink: