In working towards and then being on stage for my ballet school’s end-of-year performance last month, I learned lessons beyond actual steps.

As I repeated dance sequences and made notes to review and remember what I was supposed to be doing and when, I realized that what I was doing in the studio also applied to life—and my author career.

Adapt and adjust

When we arrived at the performance venue, part of the stage was occupied by a wooden structure fixed in place, resulting in a much smaller area for dancing.

Despite my momentary panic, there was no other option but to carry on.

Props were moved and we dancers adapted, adjusted, practiced new spacing and developed new spatial awareness.

Although on the first run-through I misjudged the distance for a turn and banged my elbow on a piece of that structure, I didn’t hurt myself. And like making a bad life choice or cutting a scene or chapter from a book, it was part of learning.

Ask for help

Like some of my fictional characters, I can find it difficult to ask for help.

However, one of the things ballet and my dance community have taught me is that we’re there to help and learn from each other.

From asking a more experienced dancer to work with me on a challenging step, to getting help with making my hair into a ‘proper, performance-ready ballet bun’ and more, I recognized my limits and opened myself up to personal growth.

That kind of growth is what life—and writing—are about.

Aim for where you’re going, not where you’ve been

As one of my friends reminded me at the dress rehearsal, when turning I needed to aim for where I was going, not where I’d been.

While she was talking about dancing, the broader life relevance didn’t escape either of us!

We can’t change the past so have to look to the future.

As for writing, I’m looking beyond some current career blips to focus on where I’m heading rather than things that are beyond my control.

A quick favour, please

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