Conquer Dance Fears and Unlock Your Creative Potential

Art, in all its forms, is a beautiful and fulfilling journey, but let’s face it—it’s also one of the most intimidating paths you can choose. As an artist, you put yourself on display, sharing your deepest emotions and thoughts through your craft. Whether you’re a dancer, a musician, or a painter, the act of creation exposes you in a way that is both empowering and frightening. So, how do you move past the fear, self-doubt, and insecurities that inevitably arise? Whether you’re auditioning for a dance team, starting choreography for a song you adore, or exploring an entirely new style of dance, we all need to find a way to embrace courage and let go of our fears.

For those of you who long to live a life full of creativity and artistic freedom, it’s essential to learn how to manage your fear. In her book Big Magic, renowned author Elizabeth Gilbert (of Eat, Pray, Love fame) delves into the creative process, unraveling its mysteries while celebrating its inherent magic. Gilbert’s reflections offer a fresh perspective for dancers who often struggle with fear and doubt but possess infinite potential. So, are you ready to cast aside your fears and embrace a life of creativity and dance? Keep reading and let the wisdom of Big Magic transform you into a fearless, creative force.

Understanding the Separation Between You and Your Art

Loving what you do is crucial, but there’s a fine line between loving your art and becoming consumed by it. Tying your self-worth and identity too closely to your craft can have dangerous repercussions, leading to an unhealthy emotional dependence on external validation. Gilbert explains this concept beautifully, urging artists to separate their egos from their work:

“It’s a subtle but important distinction (being vs. having) and a wise psychological construct. The idea of an external genius helps to keep the artist’s ego in check, distancing him somewhat from the burden of taking either full credit or full blame for the outcome of his work. Protecting from the corrupting influence of praise, and from the corrosive effects of shame.”

As dancers, we often find ourselves caught in the trap of over-identifying with our performances. But creativity is an external force, one that interacts with us rather than being part of us. Gilbert refers to ideas as “disembodied, energetic life-forms” that come into existence through collaboration with human beings. In other words, the movements you create are not an extension of you—they are ideas that you bring into the world. The sooner you recognize this distinction, the sooner you can embrace the joy of creativity without the pressure of perfection.

Conquer Dance Fears and Unlock Your Creative Potential

Lead by Example: Let Your Passion Be Contagious

The most inspiring dancers and instructors don’t just teach choreography—they embody their passion for dance in a way that influences everyone around them. There’s something incredibly powerful about someone who is completely in love with what they do, and it’s that energy that drives others to find the same joy in their own work. Gilbert shares a story about a professor whose sheer love for poetry transformed the lives of his students:

“He seemed to live in a state of uninterrupted marvel, and he encouraged them to do the same. He didn’t so much teach them how to write poetry, they said, but why: because of delight, because of stubborn gladness.”

The same applies to dance. When you are fully immersed in the joy of dancing, others will naturally be drawn to that energy. Let your passion shine through, and those around you will be inspired to find their own creative spark.

Embrace Happiness in Your Dance Journey

In a world where dancers constantly face rejection, criticism, and uncertainty, it’s easy to fall into the trap of becoming the “tormented artist.” You didn’t make the team? You weren’t selected for the lead role? You aren’t earning enough from your dance career? It’s tempting to let these setbacks consume you, but the key to overcoming them lies in changing your mindset. Gilbert offers a simple yet profound piece of advice:

“You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures.”

Instead of focusing on external outcomes, celebrate the fact that you are on this journey at all. Every step you take, every dance class you attend, and every move you learn is a victory in itself. Allow yourself to find joy in the process, rather than basing your self-worth on whether or not you “succeed.”

When Things Go Wrong: Keep Moving Forward

Let’s face it—there will be days when things just don’t go your way. You’ll have bad classes, miss out on opportunities, and face countless disappointments. But how do you deal with those moments of frustration? Gilbert advises:

“Grieve if you must, but grieve efficiently.”

It’s okay to feel disappointed, but don’t let those feelings linger. Acknowledge your frustrations, then move on. There’s always another opportunity waiting around the corner, and dwelling on the past will only hold you back.

Share Your Creative Spirit with Others

As dancers, we often get caught up in a sense of ownership over certain moves or styles. If someone else choreographs to a song you had planned to use, or incorporates a move you consider your “signature,” it can feel like they’ve taken something from you. But creativity is not a limited resource. As Gilbert explains:

“People convince themselves that they have been robbed, when they have not, in fact, been robbed. Such thinking comes from a wretched allegiance to the notion of scarcity… Somebody else got mine.”

In reality, there is no scarcity of ideas or artistic potential. The world is brimming with inspiration, and there’s more than enough room for everyone to create. Instead of feeling territorial, let go of that mindset and celebrate the fact that we all have the capacity to make something beautiful. Dance is for everyone, and the more we share, the more we create.

Create, Share, and Let Go of Expectations

Social media has given dancers a platform to share their work with the world, but it’s also created an environment where we’re constantly chasing likes, views, and validation. While it’s great to have an audience, it’s important not to let external approval dictate your creative process. As Gilbert wisely points out:

“The quiet glory of merely making things, and then sharing those things with an open heart and no expectations… Because in the end, creativity is a gift to the creator, not just a gift to the audience.”

Don’t let the pressure of social media distract you from the true joy of creation. Whether your video gets a million views or just a handful, the act of creating is its own reward. Share your work with the world, but don’t let the numbers define your success.

Everyone Is Creative—Yes, Even You!

How often have you heard someone say, “I’m just not a creative person”? It’s a common excuse, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. According to Gilbert, creativity is not a rare talent reserved for the chosen few. It’s something that exists within all of us:

“To even call somebody ‘a creative person’ is almost laughably redundant; creativity is the hallmark of our species. We have the senses for it; we have the curiosity for it; we have the opposable thumbs for it; we have the rhythm for it; we have the language and the excitement and the innate connection to divinity for it. If you’re alive, you’re a creative person.”

If you’re a living, breathing human being, you have the capacity for creativity. You don’t need to be a professional artist to create something meaningful. So, stop telling yourself that you’re not creative, and start exploring the artistic potential that’s already inside you.

Ignore the Critics—Trust Your Own Voice

One of the biggest obstacles dancers face is the fear of criticism. Whether it’s YouTube comments or unsolicited feedback from others, it’s easy to let the opinions of others shake your confidence. But as Gilbert reminds us:

“Never delude yourself into believing that you require someone else’s blessing (or even their comprehension), in order to make your own creative work.”

The truth is, not everyone will understand or appreciate your work—and that’s okay. Art is subjective, and everyone has their own tastes and preferences. What matters most is that you stay true to your own voice. Don’t let the critics get in the way of your creative journey.

Dance from the Heart, Not for the Applause

When Gilbert wrote her international best-seller Eat Pray Love, she never anticipated the global impact it would have. She wrote it for herself, as a way to process her own experiences:

“…I figured people might mock it for being so terribly earnest, But I wrote that book anyhow, because I needed to write it for my own intimate purposes—and also because I was curious to see if I could convey my emotional experiences adequately on paper.”

The same principle applies to dance. When you create a piece that comes from a place of truth and vulnerability, it resonates on a deeper level. The most impactful art isn’t necessarily the flashiest or most technically impressive—it’s the work that speaks to the soul. Dance from the heart, and your audience will feel that authenticity.

Don’t Rely on Dance to Pay the Bills

While it’s wonderful to pursue your passion for dance, it’s important not to place the burden of financial success on your creativity. For years, Gilbert worked as a waitress while pursuing her writing, never asking her art to sustain her financially. She cautions against placing too much pressure on your creative work:

“You can kill off your creativity by holding it to such a harsh ultimatum.”

Especially in the early stages of your dance career, it’s unrealistic to expect immediate financial success. Dance because you love it, not because you need it to pay the bills. Pursue your passion with dedication, but don’t let the need for income destroy your love for the craft.

Conclusion

Dance, like any art form, requires a delicate balance of passion, dedication, and courage. You’ll face rejection, criticism, and self-doubt, but you also have the opportunity to experience the pure joy of creation. By embracing the wisdom of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, you can learn to overcome your fears, find inspiration in unexpected places, and live a life full of creativity. So, whether you’re a professional dancer or just someone who loves to move, remember that creativity is your birthright. Dance with joy, dance with passion, and most importantly—dance without fear.