Embracing the Rhythm of Life: A Journey into the Art of Dance Instruction
As I sit here, fingers poised on the keyboard, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. You see, I’m about to take you on a journey – one that delves deep into the captivating world of dance instruction for the musical theater. It’s a realm where passion, precision, and pure exhilaration collide, creating a truly mesmerizing experience for both the performer and the audience.
Let me start by sharing a little about myself. My name is Brené, and I’m the proud owner of a musical theater education and performance center – a place where dreams are nurtured and talents are honed to perfection. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of dance, and I’m constantly in awe of the remarkable individuals who dedicate their lives to mastering this art form.
But as I’ve learned, the journey of a dance instructor is not always a smooth one. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and, sometimes, burnout. That’s why I was so thrilled to discover the work of Emily and Amelia Nagoski, twin sisters and authors of the incredible book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. Their insights have been a game-changer for me, and I’m excited to share them with you.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Burnout
As the Nagoski sisters so eloquently explain, burnout is a very real and pervasive issue, affecting individuals across all professions, including the world of dance instruction. In their podcast interview with Brené Brown, they delve into the three key components of burnout: emotional exhaustion, decreased sense of accomplishment, and depersonalization.
Brené Brown’s conversation with the Nagoski sisters is a true eye-opener, and it’s one that I’ve found myself revisiting time and time again. The way they break down the neurobiology of emotion, explaining how our bodies process stress and the importance of completing the stress response cycle, is simply captivating.
One of the key insights that has resonated with me the most is the concept of “Human Giver Syndrome.” As the Nagoskis eloquently explain, this is a moral philosophy where women are expected to be the “human givers” – constantly putting the needs of others before their own, sacrificing their own well-being in the process. This, they argue, is a significant contributor to the high rates of burnout experienced by women, including those in the dance instruction field.
Reclaiming the Rhythm: Strategies for Preventing Burnout
Armed with this knowledge, I’ve made it my mission to provide my dance instructors with the tools and resources they need to combat burnout and maintain their passion for their craft. And let me tell you, the strategies the Nagoski sisters outline in their book have been nothing short of transformative.
Physical Activity
One of the most powerful ways to complete the stress response cycle, the Nagoskis explain, is through physical activity. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a vigorous dance class, or a good old-fashioned jumping jacks session, the key is to get your body moving in a way that feels good and allows you to express the emotions you’ve been holding onto.
I’ve encouraged my dance instructors to find activities they genuinely enjoy, whether it’s rock climbing, cycling, or even something as simple as a 20-minute daily stretch routine. The goal is to find a physical outlet that not only helps them manage stress but also brings them joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Breathing Exercises
Another highly effective tool in the fight against burnout is the humble act of breathing. As the Nagoskis point out, taking the time to engage in slow, deep breathing can have a profoundly calming effect on the nervous system, helping to down-regulate the stress response.
I’ve implemented regular breathing sessions into our dance instructor training program, encouraging my team to take a few minutes throughout the day to pause, close their eyes, and focus on the rhythm of their breath. The results have been remarkable, with my instructors reporting feeling more centered, focused, and better equipped to handle the demands of their work.
Positive Social Interaction
One of the most powerful ways to complete the stress response cycle, according to the Nagoskis, is through positive social interaction. The simple act of connecting with others, whether it’s a warm hug, a heartfelt conversation, or shared laughter, can have a profound effect on our emotional and physical well-being.
I’ve made it a priority to foster a supportive and collaborative environment within our dance instruction team. We’ve implemented regular team-building activities, such as quarterly outings and monthly check-in meetings, where instructors can share their successes, challenges, and strategies for self-care. The result has been a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding that has been invaluable in combating burnout.
Laughter and Creative Expression
Laughter, the Nagoskis explain, is an “ancient evolutionary system that mammals have evolved to make and maintain social bonds and regulate emotions.” And when it comes to creative expression, the act of putting our emotions into a tangible form can be a powerful way to complete the stress response cycle.
I’ve encouraged my dance instructors to find ways to incorporate more laughter and creative outlets into their lives. Whether it’s organizing a silly dance party in the studio, or setting aside time for journaling, painting, or even choreographing a new routine, these activities can be profoundly healing and rejuvenating.
Embracing the Rhythm: A Holistic Approach to Dance Instruction
As I reflect on the strategies the Nagoski sisters have shared, I’m reminded of the importance of taking a holistic approach to dance instruction. It’s not just about perfecting the physical movements, but about nurturing the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of our instructors.
When we prioritize self-care and self-awareness, we create an environment where our dance instructors can thrive, both on and off the stage. And in turn, this benefits our students, who are able to learn from instructors who are energized, inspired, and deeply connected to the art form they’re teaching.
At our musical theater education and performance center, we’ve made it our mission to embody this holistic approach. We believe that by empowering our dance instructors to take care of themselves, we’re not just preventing burnout – we’re cultivating a community of artists who are truly thriving and able to share their passion with the world.
So, if you’re a dance instructor or aspiring to become one, I encourage you to dive deep into the work of the Nagoski sisters and to embrace the transformative power of self-care. By unlocking the secrets of successful dance instruction, you’re not just bettering your own life – you’re opening the door to a world of limitless possibility for your students and the art form you love.
