"Winning"- A Battle of the Minds!

Recently, I retired from dancing as an Amateur in the Pro/Am Division; with my Pro partner Eddie Ares, to pursue a new career as a professional dance teacher. When I started taking dance lessons with Eddie, I wanted to learn to social dance, but Eddie had other ideas for me. He saw something in me I didn't even know about myself. That was having some talent. But, most of all, it was also having the drive and determination to try to shoot for the gold. In competitions, there are numerous great dancers out there, but when it comes to competing, it turns into a battle of the minds of the dancers for the top placements.

Your game plan is most important and becomes achievable by setting realistic goals. How much time do I have to devote to this sport or hobby? How are my finances? How much effort will I really put into it? If you're only putting in the effort to be a finalist, then try to achieve that and be happy with your accomplishment. If you're competing for the social part of it and/or exercise, that's great. However, keep expectations of higher marks a bit lower and by all means remember to have fun, which is your primary goal here!

I put in an enormous amount of time, energy, and effort, with additional workouts outside of dance, and dedication, to try to reach our goals for the gold. We did accomplish that, and for me it was worth it. If I could do it all over again, I would because it was a blast!

I've heard dancers say, "I danced well, so why didn't I win?" You need to look at the balance of "did I put into it what it takes for that particular placement, as compared to maybe someone else?" Also, and probably the main ingredient, you need to dance clean and clear consistently, so the judges can gain confidence in your dancing, knowing that you know what your doing. So think about what you want out of your dancing. Set realist goals for your lifestyle, and go for it! You won't be disappointed.

Remember, when you're waiting for the results, despite your best dancing ever, it's not always who crosses the finish line first in dancing. Life is full of surprises.

In John C Marwell's book he says:
"The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The leader adjusts the sail."

In the dance business, we have to take number 3. If you didn't get the mark you wanted, then go back and leave no margin for error. That way, they'll have to mark you correctly or they'll look ridiculous themselves. And, dance for the audience. They always know the truth. They don't lie.