Have you ever known a dancer who seemed to have everything: strength, skill, coordination, agility. But for some reason he or she doesn’t make it. How about the dancer who doesn’t seem to have those physical gifts? He or she is not exceptionally strong or agile. Yet, for some reason, he or she rises to a level far beyond what is expected.
What makes one succeed against the odds and the other fail to live up to expectations has been a puzzling question to us for some time. One of the characteristics that distinguishes these two kinds of dancers may be motivation. That is, how badly they want to reach the top, how much time and effort they put in. Clearly, a gifted dancer can reach a relatively high level on his or her natural ability alone. In contrast, the less talented dancer will not go far on his or her natural ability. Such individuals need something more in order to excel. That something may be motivation.
How important is motivation in high level performance? In one study, motivation was significantly related to success: The more motivated dancers were, the better they performed.
Motivation gains importance as the level of performance increases. At the advanced level, everyone has the physical capabilities to perform. They are all well-trained and talented. Very often, it is the dancer who puts in the extra hour of training, or just plain wants it more than the others, who gets the role. We believe that among dancers of equal ability it is hard work and a powerful desire to become the best that separates dancers. All of the physical ability in the world is not enough to take you to the top. You must be as prepared psychologically as you are physically. Psychological strengths can often overcome physical limitations.
Motivation plays a influential role in preparation. It is largely responsible for how much time and intensity goes into training and rehearsing. A high degree of motivation will not only provide physical benefits in the form of increased strength and technical ability, but also psychological rewards such as greater self-confidence.
A well-known choreographer once told us that much of the training that is done is physically unnecessary. It is used more as a motivational tool to make dancers tough and confident.
Training to be a dancer is intense, long, and arduous. The constant strain of physical exertion can wear a dancer down both physically and psychologically. As a result, it is important that dance training programs constantly motivate and challenge. Below we outline several methods that have been effective in accomplishing this goal.
- Dance classes should be fun and interesting. There are few things worse for motivation than routine, monotonous classes. Variety is stressed here. Opportunities for personal achievement and the growth of self-confidence should be available.
- Performance opportunities should also be a part of a dance program. With a performance goal in mind, dancers will be motivated to work hard toward that goal.
- Teachers should understand and respect dancers for their individuality. Dancers are motivated by different things and in different ways. Some are self-motivated and can be expected to work hard on their own. Others need to be pushed by their teachers. Still others are sensitive and require alot of positive reinforcement, encouragement, and, most importantly, a gentle touch. It is important for teachers to consider what each dancer needs in order to realize his or her potential and provide it to the best of their ability.
- The dance class should be meaningful to the dancers. If a dancer sees no point in performing a particular exercise he or she will not be motivated to work hard at it. It may be helpful to explain the rationale behind the exercise if it is not clear. It is important to show how the training relates to the the performing goals.
A useful method for increasing commitment is for teachers to ask their dancers for suggestions in organizing the class. This technique enhances involvement and makes dancers feel more personally responsible for their training.
