What You'll Learn
- How to redefine success in ballet through the lens of directional goals.
- Why turnout is a lifelong journey of muscle engagement rather than a fixed number.
- Practical tips to overcome the feeling of never being "good enough" in the studio.
- The importance of focusing on correct direction and muscle activation over absolute amounts.
About This Video
The journey of an adult ballet dancer is often paved with high expectations and the weight of perfectionism. At Broche Ballet, we understand that "good enough" often feels like a moving target that you can never quite reach. In this insightful session, we dive deep into a mindset shift that can change your entire relationship with your practice: the concept of directional goals. Unlike fixed milestones that can leave you feeling discouraged, directional goals provide a sustainable path for long-term improvement and artistic growth.
Most dancers focus on absolute goals—reaching a full 180-degree turnout, hitting a perfect pirouette, or finishing a class without a single mistake. While these milestones are exciting, they can also lead to frustration when progress feels slow. Directional goals, however, are different. They are about the trajectory and the constant refinement of technique. Instead of asking "Did I reach the goal?", you learn to ask "Am I moving in the right direction?" This shift allows you to find success in every single class, regardless of your starting point.
Take turnout as a primary example. Turnout is not a static destination you arrive at and then check off your list. It is a quintessential directional goal. There is always more depth to find, more muscles to engage, and a greater sense of rotation to achieve from the hip sockets. When you focus on the direction of your turnout—constantly working to engage the correct muscles and maintain your alignment—you are always achieving something great. The specific amount of rotation matters far less than the intention and the consistent muscle activation you bring to the barre.
By adopting this perspective, you remove the ceiling on your potential. There is always room for improvement, which means there is always a reason to celebrate your progress. Whether you are working through a simple tendu or a complex combination, focusing on the "more" rather than the "finished" allows you to stay motivated and present in your body. This tidbit of motivation is designed to help you realize that you are enough right now, and that your commitment to moving forward is what truly matters in your ballet journey. Keep going, stay focused on your direction, and enjoy the process of becoming the best dancer you can be.
