Dealing with Comparison

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially in the dance world, where talent and progress are often on full display. Watching others turn more cleanly, jump higher, or pick up choreography faster can sometimes make you feel like you’re not doing enough. I’ve definitely been there.

In those difficult moments of comparison, I remind myself that I don’t dance to be the best or to be on top—I dance because I love it. I dance because it makes me feel alive, expressive, and connected to something far deeper than rankings or recognition.

Everyone’s journey starts at a different point. Some dancers begin when they’re toddlers, while others—like me—start later. People learn in different ways and at different speeds. Some receive years of private training, while others grow through group classes or online videos. Bodies are different. Life paths are different.

Comparing your own pace and style of learning to someone else’s diminishes the beauty of your unique growth. It overlooks your hard work, your small victories, and the individual rhythm that shapes your path. Everyone absorbs information differently, moves differently, and responds to training in their own time. When we compare ourselves to others, we risk missing how far we've actually come.

Progress in ballet—or in anything—isn’t linear, and it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all. Your journey matters, even if it looks different from someone else’s.

When I shift my focus back to the joy of dancing—the reason I started in the first place—I find so much more freedom. It’s not about being better than someone else; it’s about being better than I was yesterday. That mindset allows me to celebrate my own growth and the success of others without losing sight of my purpose.