Setting realistic expectations

[pygmalion]

Someone brought this up, indirectly, in another thread, and I think the question deserves a bit more attention.

How does someone who begins learning ballroom dance as an adult set realistic expectations for their achievement? Okay, so maybe you'll never be competitive on the world stage. Or maybe you can ... What goes into the decision making process? What factors should be considered? What role does age play? How about time constraints, and availability of quality coaching, or other factors?

No, I have no vision of myself at Blackpool, except as a spectator LOL. Just asking for the joy of asking. :wink:

Thoughts, anyone?

 

[Chris Stratton]

I think one of the things that helps is to set goals based on what you perceive to be important, but to then be willing to modify them based on the revised understanding of what is important that develops as you make progress.

 

[Laura]

Another thing that is important is to really understand what it takes to reach your goals. If you're not willing or able to put in the time and money yet you say you want to get "to the top" you won't get there. Over the years I've seen people frustrated because they have this idea of where they want to get but they don't make the committments needed to achieve it. And even then, natural ability and a bit of luck also comes into play.

To a large extent, you get out what you put in.

 

[Chris Stratton]

I don't think natural ability really plays much of a role after the first year or two. At least not natural ability as demonstrated by dancing easily from the start. There seems to be a transition point somewhere in this timeframe where those who are better students of dance (better at learning details) overtake those who started dancing with more initial body awareness and movement experience. Of course you only get to see this in an environment that supports students through their often serious initial challenges - in a setting where only those who start as natural dancers survive, then they are the only type you will see at the more advanced levels.

 

[IndyDancer]

I think the first step as a beginner is not to expect to be as good as other students who have been dancing for a couple years. Our studio has brand new students who let themselves get very frustrated during group classes. I try to tell them they are doing fine, but they say, "Everyone else got it but me."

You can't expect to be really good right away. Everybody was a beginner at some point.

 

[Chris Stratton]

I think the first step as a beginner is not to expect to be as good as other students who have been dancing for a couple years. Our studio has brand new students who let themselves get very frustrated during group classes. I try to tell them they are doing fine, but they say, "Everyone else got it but me."

One could also make quite contrary advice: if they seek out really targeted training and really listen, they most likely could be better than the average group class regular in a tiny fraction of the time. But I'll readily admit that finding such training was as much luck as determination. And I'd have to add the caution that 'better' will refer to aspects whose value may not be completely obvious in terms of what group class students think of as important - though a blindfolded partner could probably appreciate these qualities quite easily.

 

[jen88]

So, in the end who comes out on top? The person with an easy start who progresses fast, dances well, but doesn't focus on technique OR the person who works really hard on technique but doesn't learn the flash or a lot of steps right off the bat???

 

[spatten]

Well, I tend to look at it like a continuim. At one end you have the talented dancer who doesn't work at it - I think they will get the least far in their dancing. Somewhere farther is the dancer with determination, dedication but little talent. And the dancers who get the furthest are those with talent and dedication, determination.

Talent, as it becomes a dancer, may just be as simple as strong kinestic awareness or a genetic disposition to dancing. That is plenty of room for discussion on that front.

As an amateur dancer who begin dancing at about 22 - I have set a goal for myself. I do intend to dance at Blackpool, as an Amatuer (maybe Senior) and make at least one cut. I think that is a reasonable, but acheivable goal. I chose one cut, because that means that I am not completely a fish out of water on the floor.

Cheers,
Scott

 

[DancePoet]

I feel Chris and Laura's first comments above are very strong.

Chris wrote: "I think one of the things that helps is to set goals based on what you perceive to be important, but to then be willing to modify them based on the revised understanding of what is important that develops as you make progress."

Having a vision and being open to it changing as your information increases and your perspective changes is key!

Laura wrote: "Another thing that is important is to really understand what it takes to reach your goals. If you're not willing or able to put in the time and money yet you say you want to get "to the top" you won't get there. Over the years I've seen people frustrated because they have this idea of where they want to get but they don't make the committments needed to achieve it. And even then, natural ability and a bit of luck also comes into play. To a large extent, you get out what you put in."

Setting realistic short term goals on the way to the bigger vision and commiting one's self to the accomplishment of the steps along the way can set the stage for less frustration and the building of skills needed to achieve bigger things!

An example: I started this dance lesson stuff to learn what I perceived to be an enjoyable social skill to use at social events like reunions, weddings, company events, and dances. As I learned more I decided to aim at competitions which enhances my focus on the details to make me a better dancer. The current goal is to have enough knowledge of the bronze patterns in the four American Smooth catagories to compete in some joint events next year. As I approach this achievement, my vision will likely be come clearer regarding the next step to take, if any. Along the way I might take lessons in other styles for use in the social activities, and thus I'm back to my original reason again!

Blackpool for me??? Never really considered it. I just want to keep having fun, stay flexible as my preception changes, and stay realistic.