Dancers: Tips for Taking the Criticism
Your teacher or coach has the best interests of the group and the individual in mind when offering criticism. A successful production usually means hours and hours of practice under the watchful eyes of a director who makes corrections and critiques everyone in the ensemble. It isn't always easy to take critique when it's directed specifically at you, however. How do you take criticism of your dancing without having your feelings hurt? Put the comments into proper perspective. Remember:
• The group is only as strong as the weakest link
• Don't take the criticism personally even if it's directed at your dancing, it isn't directed at you as a person
• Be as graceful and grateful as you can; smile and say 'thank you'
• Ask for permission to ask for clarification if you need it, otherwise you may continue to make the same mistake
• Listen to the comments thoughtfully, critique makes you a better, stronger dancer
• Critique enables you to take future comments by other teachers
• Criticism doesn't mean you can't dance, it means you need improvement and every dancer has weaknesses
• Arguing with the instructor/choreographer is REALLY unprofessional and a waste of everyone's time
• Be aware that you will undoubtedly work with someone who isn't considerate with their criticism, be prepared for harsh critique
• Don't bad-mouth your teacher outside of class over criticism, take serious concerns to your teacher after practice or class
Dancers from studios where they don't receive a lot of critique experience difficulty with criticism in college or in shows. "After all, no one has ever said there was anything wrong with my dancing before. Who does this person think he is?" Most likely the comments are coming from a seasoned, well-trained teacher or choreographer and it's a blessing not a curse to have such people comment on your dancing no matter how much it stings.
Sophomore college dance major, Roxanne Tritt says, "Most of the time criticism in the dance world is a good thing. Even if you don't agree with what your teacher is telling you, try it anyway. It just might help you. Keep an open mind. At the beginning of this year, I felt like I was being ripped apart everyday and it bothered me. Now, I know that I get the criticism because my teacher believes that I can make something of myself. If the criticism is rude or degrading then you may want to talk to the teacher or to someone in charge that you trust. Otherwise, take it with a smile."
Learning to take criticism in the dance world where every little finger has to be in the right place will carry over into your 'real' world and make it easier to take there as well. My sixteen year-old daughter, Kitri Held, comments that when people disagree with her during conversations it doesn't really upset her. Those people are entitled to their opinions. When others ask her why she isn't hurt by the comments, she says, "I'm a ballerina. I was raised taking criticism, insults, and being told what to do!"
Just for Kix owner/executive director, Cindy Clough tells her dancers, "Get better, or get beaten." While not all dance is about competition, that sums it up pretty well.