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Why You Need A Dance Mentor

05/16/2018
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A mentor is defined as "an experienced or trusted adviser." In the world of business, many professionals have mentors, with some organizations even offering formal mentoring programs. But you're in the studio in dance shorts all day. So do you really need a mentor?

The answer is a resounding: yes! A mentor can do so much for both your self-esteem and your career as a dancer, helping you confidently take that next step. Still not convinced? Here are just a few more reasons a dance mentor can be helpful to you:

Mentors inspire you.

Sometimes, it's easy to hit a wall with dancing. You go to rehearsal, you work out, your perform on stage. Rinse and repeat. After a while, it's easy to grow bored if you're not continually growing. That's where a mentor can come in. They can inspire you in any number of ways, from their words of encouragement to their style of dance.

At the same time, they can help you become your best self. In fact, one famous director even said: "The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves."

Mentors can connect you.

Whether you're interested in an exclusive summer dance camp, taking your dance career to the next level, or finding the perfect source for cheap dance costumes, a mentor can help you by connecting you with opportunities you wouldn't otherwise know about. People who are good mentors are typically movers and shakers in the industry. That means they know a lot of people and are always networking. As a result, they're often the first ones to hear about a new dance company opening up, or when those high-priced dance shorts are going on sale.

As the saying goes, "it's not what you know, but who you know." It's true in every industry, including dance. And having a relationship with a trusted mentor can expand your network -- and your opportunities -- exponentially.

A mentor can talk you down.

Being a dancer can often be stressful and full of anxiety, from going to auditions to performing on the stage. But a sage mentor has "been there, done that." As a result, when you're feeling your worst -- and like you just want to walk away -- your mentor can talk you down and help you see the big picture. They can offer you perspective and insight you might not have thought of before.

Beyond that, your mentor can empathize with how you're feeling. They understand the pain of rejection if you didn't land the gig. They know what it's like to spend days, weeks and months practicing, only to be sidelined by an injury. As a result, having a trusted mentor to lean on -- one with a good listening ear -- can help immensely.

A mentor knows what it takes.

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You want to find success as a dancer -- and it takes more than cute dance shorts to get there. A mentor knows that and can offer you guidance and support as you move ahead in your career.

Not only that, but they can help you hone your strengths and talents, so you can always put your best foot forward at your next audition or at rehearsal. On top of that, they can tell you about mistakes they made so you can avoid going down the same path. If you're just starting out in a dance career, mentors can be especially helpful in helping you get up to speed faster and shorten your learning curve for becoming a successful dancer.

A mentor has perspective on everything from weaknesses and technique to cheap dance costumes.

Mentors come in all shapes and sizes. But above all, they have experience. As a result, they can give you a true sense of reality. This is important because if you don't know the areas where you're falling short -- or how to improve your technique -- then you're never going to be a successful dancer. However, a mentor will help you to see your weak spots and give you specific advice and pointers on how you can improve and look better on the stage.

A mentor can be a sounding board.

You might have an idea about the next step to take in your career, or are trying to perfect a certain dance move. Whatever the case, a mentor can be a sounding board of sorts, assessing you and your goals in a way that you simply can't do on your own. They can help you see whether you're on the right track, or if you should be pursuing something else entirely. They can offer you an unfiltered opinion and a level of advice that your dance pals typically cannot.

So, now you know the reasons a dance mentor can be helpful. But how can you go about finding one?

  • Do your homework and look for a dancer that's on a career path that interests you. Not only will they be able to offer you more targeted advice, but you'll have a lot more to talk about.
  • Ask around for introductions. Once you know who you want to connect with, ask around the studio and your dance network if anyone can introduce you.
  • Once you've connected with a mentor, have a clear idea of what you want to get from the relationship. It can even be helpful to list out your goals.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't, you'll never grow as a dancer.
  • Always be grateful. Your mentor is taking time out of their day to help you, so it's important to show appreciation.
  • If you're ever in the position to advise a young dancer, pay it forward and help them out.

Bottom line? Whether you're a young or veteran dancer, having a mentor can help you make the right moves in your career.