Growth Mindset and Ballet

Carol Dweck’s explanation of the differences between fixed and growth mindsets resonates with me because it is similar to the way I approached ballet during my career as a dancer. The way that she suggests people should handle setbacks and seek out ways to improve is especially reminiscent of how many ballet dancers including myself approach their training. Dancers always crave constructive criticism from their teachers, directors, and choreographers because in the ballet world it is drilled into you from a young age that you get corrections because the teacher thinks you have the potential to get better. Since I grew up in this world and was a part of it for most of my life I still have that mentality in most things that I do.

(image from cheezburger)

I also relate to her method of emphasizing hard work and persistence over innate ability. I had a ballet teacher that would tell the class stories that were almost like his own little parables about how if you use an eye dropper and add a drop of water at a time into a cup eventually it will fill up, so even if you aren’t the most naturally talented dancer if you keep putting in the work you can still be successful.