Janie,

The WHY must come from within. Most of what you ID'd are outcomes because you dance. The structure of the class is an external factor. WHAT DOES it do for you?  You can complain. No problem. That is why we are here to see that it is not all 'spotlight and flowers.'  You have to answer for yourself WHY. WHY are you willing to do this --

All of what you mentioned ties together inside what drives you.

Janie - dig deeper.

Sanna 

PS Gotta get ready for a client ... Later

Dear Sanna - I love dance

I love dance! I know I complain a lot, but it's only because it's so hard to become a dancer. I love the feeling I get when I dance (most of the time), and I love the music. I love the structure of having class every day and the sense of respect in ballet that is often lost in today's culture. I feel like I'm part of an exclusive club just because I'm a ballerina - we understand things that "normal" people do not. I never forget the things that make me love dance, like performing or that feeling of getting a step just right. Just like anything else, of course there will be times when I am not thrilled with everything about ballet, but I'll never stop loving it.

Janie

DanceMind: Dear Janie, Why?

Janie,
Why do you dance? Do not say -- I love to dance ...

Dig deeper. You have to have a clear compelling reason to get through these moments.

Everyone can have a goal. But WHY do you have that particular goal. Why ballet. What makes this so important that you are willing to do what you do -- every day.

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

DanceMind: Dear Janie, Yes ...

Yes, that is a very sad reality. To what end? All the stress, pain and time ... No there are no guarantees. It sounds exciting, but what does it mean - really?

Look around you. You have to know that this is a reality.

Sanna

Dear Sanna - mixed feelings

I suppose it's hard for me not to dwell on the fact that I could already have an apprenticeship, but I don't yet. And even if I do get an apprenticeship, then what? If I am struggling this much just for the apprenticeship, why would I be chosen above the other apprentices for a spot in the company next year? I'm just worried that I will fall into the rut just like so many dancers I see. They are offered these unpaid positions, only to have to find a new place to do the same thing the next year. I just get really stressed out.

DanceMind: Dear Janie, Trying to Smile?????

Janie,
I am wondering ... ( a viewer also noticed) ... You have the possibilities of an apprenticeship before you and a 'day away.' What makes it difficult to 'smile?'

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

PS -- Coming soon -- Tips and Interviews on Mentalperformances.com

Dear Sanna - trying to smile

I asked my teacher about the meeting and she said that if I do the things we talked about in the meeting, I WILL (definitely) get an apprenticeship. She also said I already looked thinner, which is of course very nice to hear. I still think it will be good for me to do some auditions and see what happens.

...On another note, I am excited for a little mini-weekend getaway! My friends and I are taking a little road trip tomorrow afternoon after ballet, and it should be nice just to get out of town for a day. It's nice to take my mind off of things before next week when I'll really have to get my act together with my resume, videos, and pictures to send out for auditions.

Janie

DANCEMIND: Dear Janie -- Life as a Dancer

Your recent post read like the life of a true dancer -- excited, working on weight, rehearsing, looking, uncertain, wanting to be noticed and exhausted.  

There is usually several topics in each post ...

1. Weight Issue -- First I posted a new article on my site ... It reveals the #1 researched tool that assists with weight reduction.  AND it is does work!  

Give some thought to your weight goals. What does 'tone up' mean?  

I am happy to hear that you have some support with your auditions. It is not guaranteed support.   Use your AUDITION CD to help you get mentally focused and clear minded.

The apprenticeship ~~  Of course, the company will offer it to whom they believe is ready.  It sounds like you may have a few things to do before that is offered. There are so many things to consider THAT YOU WILL NOT BE PRIVY TO as we talked earlier.  There are a number of positions.  The apprentice position is a step up and closer to reality.  Follow through with your plans of talking with an instructor.  Keep the focus on YOU, not that they offered positions to others.  Ask for clarification, tell him/her what you are doing as follow THROUGH.  Tell him you are following this helpful blog ,,,   :)  

Yes, it is nice to have the exhausted spent feeling after a rehearsal. I do not know it yet I 'feel' it in mu own life with my workouts and yoga.

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

mentalperformances.com

PS -  Smile~

Dear Sanna - it begins

I've been eating really well for the past week, and I hope the directors are noticing my effort to shape up. The more I think about my evaluation, the more unsure I am of the director's exact words. I did write out what was said in the evaluation to the best of my memory, but some parts (the important part of course) are fuzzy. I was first, and under the impression that this wasn't the time when we would be offered things, more just talk about them, so I think I heard that he would like to give me an apprenticeship, and I took it as a maybe for the future. Little did I know, he was about to offer apprenticeships to two other girls right now, after my meeting. After talking to another teacher about it, I decided to ask the director of the school, who was in the meeting with the artistic director of the company and I. I have not done so yet, but I will soon.

Also, I am surprised at how helpful the "career adviser" from the school has been. I gave him a list of companies I am considering if it doesn't work out here, and tomorrow he wants to meet with me and a few other girls. Apparently he researched all sorts of companies - the ones on my list and more, and he will do his best to help me get auditions. We'll see what he says tomorrow, but I am excited that he is being so helpful.

I am exhausted, as usual, but happy because I have been rehearsing all day and the more I dance the happier I am! usually. ha. Good night!

Janie

DanceMind: Dear Janie -- Evaluation Results

Your evaluation provided you with a lot of good feedback. 

Consider doing this... Write out what happened.  What they said, how they said it, how you felt, what thoughts went through your mind. How you left the room.

Basically cover the experience in writing. DO it tonight if possible because it is fresh.

And then let it sit for a few days BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY DECISIONS. Your mind will refer back to it and you will discover a few things.

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

PS - I will be back with your tomorrow.  I will have more insights and guidance for you.

Dear Sanna - evaluation

I feel like I have told a million people this, so I apologize if I sound bland, but here's how my evaluation went:

It was definitely not groundbreaking. They were extremely nice about asking me to "tone up" (lose weight). I know this. I am overweight for a dancer. It's okay - I can lose the weight. I WILL. Then they told me what to work on, and the director told me he was definitely considering me for an apprenticeship for next year (a definite maybe, not a definite yes). However, they said auditioning might be a good experience, if they are easy to get to or one of my top choices, but they don't think I need to spend the money, time, and effort to do a million, most likely fruitless cattle calls. I really do think they intend on giving me an apprenticeship, as long as my weight is under control. Of course, this isn't good enough for my parents, but I guess I am happy. They did ask me if I had any questions, so I said, "I am willing to train as long as it takes to be the best dancer I can be, but I don't want to waste time. Do you ever see me dancing in this company?" The director replied that he "did not not see me dancing in this company." He said it's really hard to predict the future, but if he didn't ever want me in his company, he would tell me to look for a job, or consider college, or whatever. So far I have heard of one other girl in my level who was offered an apprenticeship (a definite yes), but not everyone has had their meetings yet. That's all I know! I guess I am kind of indifferent - neither excited nor very discouraged.

Janie

DanceMind: Dear Janie -- Evaluation

You are ready. Be poised, open and expect feedback.  Ask your questions in a professional, open and respectful manner.

DO NOT attend with the expectation of being hired or promoted. Here is why, YOU DO NOT KNOW  -- until the invitation has been extended and the contract is in hand.  

Just as you are looking for assistance, others are also looking for assistance.  You DO NOT know what is happening behind the scenes, who is doing whom a favor and all else.  This happens regularly and it is in YOUR BEST interest to focus on the evaluation, feedback, your questions.

Anything else is a bonus.  

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

www.mentalperformances.com

Dear Sanna - conferences are tomorrow!

Gotta love the ballet world's idea of "advance notice." 24 whole hours. Anyway I just found out the conferences are tomorrow! I'm interested to hear what they have to say...

Today was a loooong day! I was a little frustrated, mostly with myself because I have a few aches and pains that make already-hard-things a little harder, and I think I might have given this morning's teacher the idea that I have a bad attitude. She's not "important," in terms of affecting whether or not I get a job, but I hate for anyone to think that. I think I just have trouble with her because she tells me things like I need a 6:00 penchée ("It's not a trick anymore. It's a requirement") as if I wasn't trying to be in a perfect split. I know these things, but just because she tells me to do it doesn't mean I suddenly can. Rome wasn't built in a day. I nodded, but I guess she could tell I wasn't thrilled because she said "Don't take it the wrong way," later on. I tried to play cheerful after that, but I was just in a bad mood and not dancing well. Oh well it's not the end of the world - I will just have to work extra hard in her class, and what harm could come from that?

Anyway time to take care of my body. Goodnight!

Janie

Dear Sanna - good point

Hmmm yeah I suppose this really isn't about how to get me a job. The apprentices said that they told them how they were doing, whether they thought they were ready for a job, and that they had no jobs. I believe they asked them all to stay another year. They also told some people what they need to work on.

It seems natural that they would explain themselves and give reasons for their thoughts, so hopefully I won't have that many questions, after all. When I think about the actual conference, I think they will either tell me I am getting an apprenticeship, after which I can respond

"It is my dream to eventually dance with your company. Do you have plans to expand within the next few years, and could you see me in your company?"

If I am not getting an apprenticeship (or maybe even if I am) I could say:

"I am willing to continue training, if you feel I am not ready for a company, as long as I am doing what I need to do in order to reach my highest potential and get a job within the next few years. If you do not see me ever dancing in your company, do you agree that it would be best to audition elsewhere?"

Hopefully they will tell me what I need to work on, and, depending on how the meeting goes, I could end by asking

"I really value your opinions and I would love it if you would take a look at my resume and photos. Also, if you have any suggestions or connections for getting me auditions, I would very much appreciate it."



By the way, remember how I told you we were doing my favorite ballet for the school show? Well I am learning one of the leads! I was shocked, because I was cast as corps in the ballet we had originally planned to do, so I am very excited to even be second cast. AND I was called to rehearse the other ballet we are doing for school show, too. Not the lead, but it's a small corps and I'm very happy with my parts now :) Good night!

Janie

DanceMInd: Dear Janie -- Evaluation Questions and more

Unless you have a legitimate complaint then I would let it go and be more timely in the future. As someone who taught courses at a college level, an instructor hears many many creative reasons why work was not completed.  You could send her a note of apology to be 'professional.' We have all been in that situation of being just a hair to late and paying the consequences for it.

Evaluation questions --

You want you approach to be respectful and direct. Listen very carefully and bring a note pad if you want to write after the evaluation. You see then this becomes a part of your goals setting. Steps to take on the way to becoming a paid dancer ...

In order for me to advance into a company position, what are the areas in which I need to have improvement.  Can you give me a few suggestions on what I can do to improve that (if you d not know).  

You can also ask for areas of noticeable improvement from the evaluator. 

Given my style of dance, my work ethic and overall presentation, what kind of company might be interested in a dancer like me? Am I a possible consideration with ____ in the near future?

Can I set up an appointment to meet with you (or someone) about career guidance?  I think the focus of the interview is on what you are doing well and areas for improvement. You want to be very clear when you exit that you have the information you need to move forward to design a plan.  The career support is a different topic altogether, Janie. Of course you can be ready to ask, if there is time and the instructor is agreeable. 

I think a good sit down about how to get work would require a tet-a-tet.  You will have to be the one to take charge and get what you need. 

Get back to the blog tonight if possible to square away your evaluation questions.  What have you heard from others about the porcess?

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

MentalPerformances.com

Dear Sanna - okay

I was talking about my online college classes. I have tests I have to complete each week by a certain time, and last week I didn't realize they were due on a thursday at 1:00, so at 12:40 when I realized, I had to rush through both tests. I got an 80% on the first, and then I only managed to finish 10 of the 15 questions before I submitted the second, but for some reason none of the answers showed up and I got a 0. Then when I explained this to the teacher in an email, she responded as if she didn't believe me, ignoring my explanation and telling me that I began the test 10 minutes before the due date and submitted it blank and that I should complete tests as soon as they are available. So I think I just need to let it go or I will make it worse, because this woman clearly cannot negotiate.

Okay specific goals:

Ideally...

I want to be at least a soloist in a professional ballet company with a rep including Balanchine, classical, and contemporary ballets.

I want to make enough money to live, and have enough time to enjoy my life and have a family, if that's what I want at the time.

I want to live in a big, nice city where I might want to live, regardless of the fact that I was offered a job there.







Top 3 questions for my evaluation (and the follow-up questions that go along with them):

1) Do you plan on expanding the company within the next 1-2 years and will you consider me for a spot in the company when it becomes available?

2) How can you help me seek a job elsewhere?
Do you have connections with the people who can get me company class auditions?
Which companies do you think would be a good fit for me?
Can you give me feedback on my resume and audition photos?
Should I make a video and how can I seek help with it?

3) What do I need to do in order to get a job?
Lose weight?
Work out?
Take more classes?
Fix a certain aspect of my dancing?


Just found out evaluations are THURSDAY finally!

DanceMind: Dear Janie -- Evaluation Questions

Let's nail these down in case you are called in this week.

What would be you top 3 questions?

Sanna Carapellotti, MS, CCHT

Audio programs for dancers - finally!

Yes, I am repeating myself.

DanceMind: Dear Janie, Goals Need to be Front and Center

Like a Ballet Dancer!

Keep your goals available to you. If they are written in an exciting way, then they serve as an external reminder and touch in with your own motivational drives that keep you dancing, even when it gets tough (er).

1. I want to dance with a professional company.

Get more clear... I see myself dancing as a core member of a medium sized company whose repertoire is a mixture of modern and classical ballets.  or I dance with a ballet company that tours. 

Be more specific. Narrow your vision to include what you like. How do you see yourself?  

With your experience, you can begin to realize what do you  like and how do you want to do what you like.

So when you have few moments.  Lie back and let your mind wander to a few years into the future ... what happens, are there obstacles to your vision, is it clear, is in realistic for you at your skill level.  

WHat would you have to do, or be able to do to achieve that goal.

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

mentalperformances.com

I hope you enjoyed that homemade croissant. I have never had one!  

I am confused about the test comments.

We can talk tomorrow.

Time for zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

Master Classes for Your Mind