As a dancer, you’ve no doubt experienced the heart-wrenching feeling of not getting the desired part in a performance or audition. It’s a natural response to feel disappointed and deflated, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world

Balancing extrinsic motivators and intrinsic motivations is crucial in any field, especially in dance. To define the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation comes from within you, while extrinsic motivation arises from external factors. While external rewards such as roles and awards are important, it’s equally important to ask yourself how you want to grow and create a positive experience for yourself in your next performance. Remember that every role, regardless of its size, is important and plays a vital role in the overall production. It’s important to be intrinsically motivated and create an experience for yourself rather than seeking external approval or rewards. Being extrinsically motivated can lead to frustration and giving up if the desired reward is not received. 

Dealing with disappointment is never easy, but the key is to find intrinsic motivation and take charge of your own growth and education. Speaking out loud and labeling the emotions can lead to a sense of empathy with yourself. Video journaling or talking it out can be a great outlet for processing emotions. Remember that emotions are likely a result of broken expectations, so it’s important to focus on the emotion, and labeling it can help you reconsider the stories you’re telling yourself. 

With the right mindset and self-belief, every role can be a stepping stone toward a fulfilling dance career. So, practice integrity in your work, take initiative, and dance at the level you want to be at.

If you want individual support to overcome these struggles and perform at your best consistently, The Confident Dancer Coaching Program is designed to help you! Discover how we can work 1:1 together by exploring the services I offer.

For more practical tips on how to deal with disappointment in dance, head over to The Confident Dancer YouTube channel and watch “When You Don’t Get the Part You Want (how to deal with disappointment)”. Enjoy!