For the 96%
In 2017 I read an article headlined: “Only 4% of women consider themselves beautiful”. I was absolutely floored by that statement. I couldn’t believe it. So naturally, I did some more research. I hated what I found. And if you don’t like the way things are, you have to change them.
When I started Ordway Conservatory, one of my goals was to change that headline. I have always viewed myself through rose colored glasses (and been firmly in the 4%), so it was hard for me to put myself in the shoes of someone who is in the 96%. When you're in a ballet class, you are going to hear the word “no” an awful lot. You’re going to do a step incorrectly many times before you get it right. It’s a process. We have a saying in the dance world: “It takes ten years to make a dancer.” And I agree and disagree with that. I’d amend it to say it takes at least ten years. That’s a long time to be hearing “no”. (And also a long time to hear an extremely excited “YES!!!!” when something finally clicks!) Here are some of the things we do at Ordway Conservatory while teaching that help our dancers feel confident and beautiful.
Affirmations! We look into our eyes through the mirror and make strong statements about how awesome we are, or about how we will get our pirouette!
Changing up the word “no”. If a step isn’t being executed correctly, you have to be direct about it so there is no confusion. But lots of time “no” is not so black and white. Sometimes it’s a “not quite, but that is much better” situation. Or, “that’s the right idea” or “you’re headed in the right direction”. And my personal favorite, “not bad”. It’s important that students don’t focus on the all or nothing feeling that “no” can create. Ballet is a process and requires a growth mindset.
Assurance. One thing I hear from my older students quite often, is that they are worried about disappointing me. Every time I hear this, I immediately tell them it’s impossible for them to disappoint me. (But only if I 100% mean it.) The students that Ordway Conservatory attracts are determined, hard working and passionate. If they are going to do their best, it’s impossible for a student with those qualities to disappoint me. I try to remind them of that often.
Confidence. When do you feel confident? When you know what you’re doing. When you practice positive self-talk. When you have a growth mindset. We make sure Ordway dancers are mentally confident by practicing affirmations, encouraging positive self-talk, and developing a growth mindset. We make sure Ordway dancers are physically confident by delivering a world-class dance education.
Leadership. Ordway dancers are held to a strict code of conduct that emphasizes community, respect and honesty. Any conflict that arises is dealt with immediately and fairly. Mistakes are going to be made and misunderstandings are going to happen. We must learn from them.
Sending my dancers home happy and feeling accomplished, is my number one goal. I hope they come into the studio hungry for more and leave feeling like they are that much closer to reaching their goals. I hope they have a life long love of the art form that I have dedicated my life to. And I hope they realize that they have a life long family in Ordway Conservatory.
Sara Ordway
Artistic Director/Owner