Does family have an influence on a dancer and their training?
Or are dancers totally self motivated? Or is self motivation the key driver in a dancer’s progress
Even before birth a mother has the important, possibly the most important influence on her child.
When starting a new pupil at any age I often ask the parent and child, how they came to me and did they want to learn ballet or did Mommy think it was a good idea?
Whatever the answer the mother or mother figure will have an enormous influence on the child’s training. Not understanding that relationship can lead to so many complexities further down the road for everyone.
I have found father’s very willing to assist in many different ways if they feel included in the process.
And it is a long road we all have to travel when starting to teach a child the Art of Ballet. Many people will be involved in the process.
For a dancer, the early days are when the very foundations for a possible future career in whatever format they choose, are established. Those same foundations will be of use in many different occupations later in life.
How?
Developing a strong work ethic. Learning accurately. Applying focus and concentration. Working with others for the common good of the project. Self confidence.
The physical requirements; the emotional commitment; regular attendance and the vital importance thereof should be clearly understood and discussed during training.
Family surrounding that dancer need to understand the demands and requirements and provide much of that emotional and financial support through the trying times otherwise it can be a very lonely journey the dancer sets out on.
This is why I feel so strongly that one has to educate not only the student but the family as that support structure is vital for an emotionally stable dancer. Many parents of potential dancers have not had the benefit of a ballet training themselves and unless they are educated will not realize how important the passive parent is to the active learner and the mutual benefits to both parties.