Dance has been a major part of my life since I was 12. A Puerto Rican growing up in the Bronx, it was pretty much a given that I would dance Salsa. And growing up during the disco days, the Latin Hustle, was definitely a must for me. Dance basically got me out of the gangs and off the streets to become a professional performing artist (dancer and actor.)
Here are five things I’ve learned about life from being a dancer.
1. Everything in life is about balance.
Mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. When I’m dancing, I feel balanced and at ease — especially when I danced with a partner. All of my other worries, fears and insecurities seem to disappear in that moment. And when I’m done dancing, I felt a huge relief from life’s problems. I could be having the worst day, or the worst week, and performing somehow made it all better. When dancing, I am 100% focused – mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally – on learning and perfecting the choreography. Nothing else in the world matters. Being creative and losing myself in the performance helps me handle the everyday craziness of the reality of life.
2. Perfectionism is key
Some may say this is a bad thing, but I would disagree. Dancers rehearse the same choreography over and over again, because we want it to be perfect and effortless. We get yelled at by choreographers for not doing it “full out,” and rightfully so. If you don’t do it full out in rehearsals, you won’t do it full out at the performance. You cannot be lazy in life. Life is too short. You have to work hard, strive for perfection and give life everything you’ve got…EVERYTHING. Like Mae West said, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
3. Having thick skin is necessary to survive
If you’ve never had a dance instructor or choreographer yell at you, you are learning from the wrong person. I’ve had ballet teachers put me on the verge of tears before, and I’m glad they did it. Do not ever complain that a choreographer is being too harsh on you or your team. It means that they care. And you will thank them for this later in life, because you will learn how to take criticism.
4. Knowing when to ask for help and when to help others
Dance is super competitive. Someone will always have more experience than you, and that is okay. Learn from these people. It is important in life to not be too prideful. You learn nothing when you ask nothing. Alternatively, there will be people who you have more experience than. Help these people. Encourage them and uplift them. You will attract the right people in life if you are selfless and compassionate. My wife, Renee Chambers-Liciaga, is a perfect role-model of this.
5. Love and Appreciate yourself above all else
Unfortunately, I have known many dancers that quit because they felt too much pressure to be a certain type or size. But there is no proper type or size in dance and the performing arts. The performing arts isn’t always necessarily that strict. There will always be someone skinnier than you, bigger than you, shorter than you, and taller than you. But you will learn to love and appreciate who you are and what you have to bring to any creative piece. You will work hard rehearsing for hours a day, in front of huge mirrors, focusing only on yourself, and the way your body is moving. And it can do wonders for your self-esteem, if you let it. If you know any dancers, you know that we are some of the most confident people, and we are extremely comfortable with the skin we’re in.
