Discipline is a huge part of every dancer’s success. One dictionary definition states that discipline is orderly, prescribed conduct, or an orderly pattern of behavior. It’s what’s known as self-control. Most things we do demand that we utilize self-control in our active, diligent participation. Work, school, even recreational pursuits move ahead when discipline comes into play.

Definitions are all very well and good, but what does it mean to be disciplined? It means showing up regularly. We’ve all heard the old adage that practice makes perfect. It wouldn’t be an old adage unless there was some truth to it. Consistently working at a thing means improvement and growth will occur. Discipline is what drives us to stay consistent.

Discipline requires developing an unwavering level of dedication. It doesn’t allow for excuses (aside from obvious things like vomit or fire), or wimping out. In a way, discipline is the opposite of insanity: by doing the same things over and over, you CAN expect different results.

Discipline is closely linked to intent. Intention lays the roadmap; discipline is what drives the bus. Setting intentions creates a concrete plan of action. Discipline drives us to stick with the original intention and succeed.

Discipline is power. Make it yours, and you will get wherever you wish to go.

Life is a dynamic process. Things move and change constantly, and we do the same. Every so often along the way we are bound to trip up and make… a mistake. For some, the thought of making a mistake brings up a lot of fear: fear of looking bad or ridiculous, fear of being noticed, or fear of losing self-esteem. However, ask any group of people if anyone among them has never made a mistake in their life, and the answer will be a resounding “no”. But maybe, just maybe, they serve a purpose.

We can count on making mistakes in life, and plenty of them. But if no one is immune, then they must serve some purpose. They are learning tools. It can even be argued that they are necessary to success and growth. Each mistake we make is an opportunity to evolve. If we are willing to spend some time thinking about making changes to improve things in the next round, we will come out ahead.

Dance classes or classes of any sort are the place to experiment and try new things without fear of failure. If there is any good place to fall on your face, this is it. GO ahead, make the mistake, and then try, try again. Chances are that you won’t need 10,000 tries to get it right, like Thomas Edison did while inventing the lightbulb.

Even if you do fall on your face, it’s a chance to get up and try again. A steady pace wins the race. And really, we’re all in it together.