Overcoming Self Doubt in Ballet Class

In ballet class, it is so easy to compare yourself to other students, thinking you are not good enough, or to believe that your teacher sees no potential in you, causing self-doubt.

But the truth is: you don’t have to live in that headspace. There are ways to shift those thoughts, and these tools have really helped me.

Here are three tools to help you shift:

1. Surround Yourself with Real Support

You’re not going to be everyone's cup of tea — and that's okay, because people have no power over your success.

But it’s important to have people in your corner who cheer for your growth, not just your "success." Choose friends, mentors, and teachers who remind you of your why — who make you feel supported and seen.

2. Create a "Why" List

Before you go to class — either in the car or while you’re warming up — open your phone or grab a piece of paper and create a list answering these questions: Why did you start? What lights you up about moving, creating, or dancing?

Write it down. Let it be messy. Let it be real. Physically writing or typing your answers anchors them in your brain, so when those negative thoughts creep up in class, you can counteract them with your own truth.

3. Warm Up with Intention

Before every practice or performance, ground yourself.Start by taking a few deep breaths while standing on your feet, swaying your body gently, feeling each muscle, each piece of skin, each part of your feet. Notice how your body feels.

At the same time, imagine yourself dancing in class for yourself — not for validation. Picture yourself feeling free and liberated by the movement.

There are so many tools that can help quiet the thoughts telling you that you’re not good enough or making you doubt yourself. You have the power to change the story you live in.

There are so many tools that can help quiet the thoughts telling you that you’re not good enough or making you doubt yourself. You have the power to change the story you live in.