Hi everyone!
I found this site (it was being shared around on facebook a few weeks ago) and I really liked it and wanted to share it with you all:
While the video itself is pretty compelling, I was more impressed with the author’s (Karen’s) words in the entry right below the video.
This is the part I liked the best:
When you watch someone perform, you’re seeing them at the top of their game. When they score the winning point or sell their company for millions — you’re seeing them in their moment of glory. What you don’t see is the thousands of hours of preparation. You don’t see the self doubt, the lost sleep, the lonely nights spent working. You don’t see the moment they started. The moment they were just like you, wondering how they could ever be good.
I think the big thing to remember, for dance students in particular, is that every brilliant dancer you see was once a beginner at their craft, struggling to learn as they chased their own dream, but probably enjoying it. Â Many of those same brilliant dancers are even now still students – still struggling to learn more and more challenging things, digging deeper, and still enjoying it.
Though her genre isn’t belly dance, I believe that there are some common aspects of all dance study to which her comments apply.  I agree that dedication and practice really make a big difference.  I believe that you do get out what you put in, and a lot of work goes into those few minutes on the stage.  It is undoubtedly incredible what a person can accomplish if they push themselves past the first hurdle (getting started) and then work hard at it.
I’m a bit torn on the idea of not needing to train for years to become a dancer. I think Karen is absolutely correct on the topic of being a dancer – and from the video, she’s an excellent dancer. However to become a full time professional dancer or a dance teacher, it is often necessary to train for a long time, simply due to the amount of knowledge and experience that must be acquired. One can speed up this process by focusing their efforts and putting a lot more hours into fewer years, but your mileage may vary.
But, you needn’t stress about the process, and whether or not you are doing this whole dance thing properly just because you practice more or less than someone else. Â After all, artistic pursuits, even as casual hobbies, are often about growth. The only person to compare yourself to is your past self. It’s the journey that counts for a lot of people, and if someone has the time to devote, they can definitely press the gas pedal to speed up – or they can take the scenic route and enjoy the view. There’s no need to rush, so it’s up to you.
There’s a lot more on the web site as Karen tells us her story, and I’m very excited to read it. Â Wonderful work Karen – you’re an inspiration!
XOXO
Heather
