7 Tips on How to OVERCOME Plateau in Ballet and Fitness
Whenever we are learning new skills, or trying to push ourselves to get more out of what we’re already capable of, we eventually come up against a feeling of stalled progress.
But, don’t worry- it’s completely normal. As we continue to improve, we reach a point where (from our own perspective) we seem to have hit a wall. From others’ perspective, we are continuing to progress- but, in our own mind, we can barely see it.
I’m speaking, of course, about the dreaded (cue the dark music) plateau… That feeling we get when we aren’t seeing visible improvement on a daily basis.
Here are 7 tips on how to OVERCOME plateau in ballet fitness.
Make peace with mistakes.
Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, get used to it. Welcome each mistake with open arms, they are opportunities to grow.
Once you are done for the day, be done. Put your phone away or turn the sound off, and try to get in the habit of not checking it again once you’re in bed.Stop comparing yourself to others.
Don’t compare your own progress to what others are doing. As long as you are putting in the effort, this will pass.
Listen.
Listen to corrections, take it all in. If your instructor is giving you tips and corrections, it’s not to hurt your feelings, it’s to help you. We want to see you succeed. We care. We’re putting in the effort and energy to help you improve.
Please, do us a huge favour, and listen to what we are saying. Nodding and smiling doesn’t count. Take each correction and try to apply it as best as you can. I promise, it pays off- you will see improvement.Mix it up.
Try a new style for a change, get out of your comfort zone. The body becomes used to certain movements faster than you think. Giving your routine some variety allows your body and your mind to create new ways of understanding how to work so you can get past that stalled feeling. Try some contemporary routines, choose some slower centre barres, or dance flow videos so you can feel your muscles working in different ways. Jump around like you just don’t care about technique for a while- it feels good to shake it off, just get moving!
Go back to basics.
It might sound counterintuitive, but going back to the basic fundamentals is extremely beneficial when it comes to mastering more difficult steps. Break things down to the most basic elements of a step you’re trying to master, and work on those with meaning.
Rediscover your connection to dance.
Find your own profound relationship to dance. Instead of focusing so much on the technique of ballet, focus on your own creativity. Find your own unique self-expression. Feel the music. Let yourself explore the range of emotions that comes with learning the artistic expression you can find in ballet.
Take a break.
Rest. Recover. It might be hard to tell yourself to step away for a few days, but your body and your psyche need it. Give your body a chance to repair itself, to recharge the muscles you’ve been working so hard. Give your mind a chance to wander into other areas of interest. You’ll be shocked by how much better you feel, and how much better you dance, when you come back after a break.
What are the problems you’re facing? Do you feel stuck and not progressing? Let me know in the comments!
Everyone has something to offer, we can learn from each other! Leave your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep dancing!
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Love
Alessia