What You'll Learn
- Why the brain struggles to process multiple ballet corrections simultaneously
- How to identify the 'Whack-a-Mole' phenomenon in your own practice
- Strategies for managing mental focus during complex barre and center work
- Tips for building long-term muscle memory without feeling overwhelmed
About This Video
Do you ever feel like your ballet progress is a game of Whack-a-Mole? You’re standing at the barre, concentrating intensely on the depth of your plié, only to realize your turnout has slipped. You quickly fix your feet, but then you notice your ribs are flaring.
You pull your core in, and suddenly, you’ve forgotten the combination entirely. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. This phenomenon is a universal experience for dancers of all levels, and at Broche Ballet, we want to help you navigate this mental hurdle.
The struggle to hold multiple technical elements simultaneously is a result of the high cognitive load required by classical dance. In this video, we explore why it feels like information is constantly being forgotten and relearned. Ballet technique is a complex layer of muscle engagement, spatial awareness, and musicality.
When we are learning a new movement or refining an old one, our working memory can only hold a few cues at once. As soon as we focus on a new correction—the 'mole' popping up—we often lose focus on the one we just 'whacked' down. Understanding this 'Whack-a-Mole' effect is the first step toward a more productive and less frustrating practice.
Instead of feeling defeated when a correction slips, recognize it as a natural part of the cognitive process. To combat this, we recommend focusing on a 'correction of the day' during your exercises. By narrowing your focus to one specific element, such as your alignment in a tendu or the closing of your fifth position, you allow that movement to move from your active thinking into your muscle memory.
Join us as we dive into the mental side of ballet training. By normalizing the technical struggle, we can find more joy in the process and eventually reach a point where these corrections become second nature. Whether you are working on your first relevé or perfecting your pirouette, Broche Ballet is here to support your journey with realistic and encouraging advice.
