Welcome to the Slump!
I have recently had exchanges with two different dance friends about the inevitable point we reach in the creative cycle where we have lost our inspiration. All three of us are at different stages of experience in our dance journeys; one who has danced for a couple of decades longer than I have, me having danced for just under 30 years, and one who has only been dancing a few years. In the past year or so, we’ve all found ourselves in that slump.
One thing I have learned over the years I’ve been dancing is that it is a definite cycle. Creativity flows in waves — sometimes movement feels effortless, and other times, every motion feels forced. The muse is fickle; it comes and goes as it pleases. I’ve heard many other dancers, as well as artists in other creative fields, express that they experience the same thing. This cycle of inspiration and lack of inspiration is natural, yet it can be emotionally challenging and even quite disturbing. Understanding this rhythm and knowing how to navigate the lows can help dancers stay motivated and connected to their artistry (and their sanity!).
The Highs and Lows of Creativity
When inspiration strikes, dancers feel unstoppable. Improvisation or choreography comes naturally, performance feels electric, we can’t wait to get ourselves to dance class, and movement feels like a pure expression of emotion. But inevitably, the spark fades for a while. Fatigue or routine can make dance feel uninspired, leading to frustration, self-doubt, and thoughts of quitting. We all eventually go through this; some of us stick it out and find the joy again, and some concede before they can re-ignite the spark. The key is to remember that this slump is not a sign of failure — it’s simply part of the creative process, and is something that all artists experience.
Managing the Emotions of a Slump
Being in a creative rut can bring feelings of insecurity, impatience, or even sadness. Instead of resisting these emotions, acknowledge them. It’s okay to step back, reflect, and give yourself time to recharge.
Know that you are not alone in this experience. We have all experienced it. Those of us who have been dancing for many years have learned that it is a cycle. Accepting the slump as temporary removes the pressure to force inspiration. Don’t place too much importance on the slump. As they say, “this too shall pass”.
Why Is this Happening (Again)?
Dancers can lose motivation for many reasons, and it’s completely normal. It can help to do a little self-reflection to understand what might be contributing to your recent downswing.
- Physical and mental burnout – Dancing is physically and emotionally demanding. Overtraining, lack of rest, and constant pressure to improve can lead to exhaustion, making it hard to stay motivated. Add to this the pressures of our non-dance lives – day-jobs, family responsibilities, school studies, etc. – and it can feel like obligations come at us from all directions. It’s no wonder that we experience occasional dips and need to rest.
- Lack of progress or plateauing – When a dancer feels like they aren’t improving or reaching their goals, frustration can set in. Hitting a plateau can make it difficult to stay inspired. Remember that often a substantial breakthrough can be experienced after period of plateau.
- Repetitive routines – Doing the same movements, style, or training every day can make dance feel monotonous. Sometimes we don’t connect with a certain choreography, music, or training approach. A lack of variety can lead to boredom and decreased excitement. In dance as in life, variety can be the spice we need.
- Injury or physical limitations – An injury can be a major setback, both physically and mentally. The frustration of not being able to dance at full capacity can drain motivation. Care for your body is essential.
- Self-doubt and comparison – Seeing others progress faster or perform better can lead to self-doubt. Social media, comparison at performances, and competitions, can make dancers feel like they’re not good enough. There is no one like you. Be proud of your unique qualities; you are the only you, and that is special.
- Fear of failure or rejection – Classes and performances can make people worry about making mistakes or not being accepted. Dancing in a genre when one is not native to the origin culture can bring on fear of being rejected or accused of cultural appropriation (stay tuned for another post on that topic!). Fear is your worst enemy.
- External pressures and expectations – Pressure from teachers, family, or peers to perform at a certain level can take the joy out of dance. When dancing feels like an obligation rather than a passion, motivation can fade. Sometimes the pressure is the other way; from family or others who don’t understand or approve of the place that dance holds in your life and don’t appreciate what it means to you. No matter which way the pressure comes, know how to defend your boundaries for your own benefit.
Understanding the reason behind your lost motivation can help you find ways to reignite the passion and reconnect with your love of movement.
Some Ideas to Help to Reignite Motivation
- Take a break to recharge – Rest is essential. Enjoy some leisurely time just watching performances or reading about dance and related topics. Spend some time on self-care — whether that’s just taking some quiet time with a cup of tea (or a glass of wine) for yourself away from the daily stresses, getting physio and massage to treat injuries, or something more indulgent like a day at the spa, a vacation (trip to Egypt anyone??), a night out with friends, or some non-dance retail therapy. Be kind to yourself.
- Seek other creative outlets – Exploring other forms of art can help reignite passion. Dabble in some poetry, try painting, take a pottery class, pick up a tabla or another musical instrument, or try singing. Exercising your creative muscles in new ways will serve your dance well.
- Experiment with new movement – Trying a completely new dance style or other movement practice can spark fresh ideas and bring back joy in dancing. Aside from taking classes in other dance styles (how about Indian dance, Flamenco, Salsa, or Jazz?), you can try following a Yoga class on YouTube, book a session at the gym with a physical trainer, try a Tai Chi or AquaFit class, or even just take up jogging (or in my case, just walking!). Keeping your body moving will also be good for you when you’re ready to come back to your usual dance practice
- Find inspiration in others – Connect with your community – we all go through the same ups and downs and riding out the low times with friends can help ease the discomfort. Talking through it with others who’ve been through the same can help put things in perspective. Try taking classes from different instructors. Collaborating with other dancers who you don’t usually dance with can offer new ideas.
- Reconnect with purpose – Reflect on why you dance. Revisiting old videos, journaling about dance experiences, or teaching others can remind you of your passion. You can involve yourself in your dance community in other ways besides dancing – organize a social night, a costume swap, a dance-themed movie-night, or a sewing party (aka “stitch and bitch”).
- Move without expectation – Let go of the pressure! Forget seeking perfection and just dance for yourself. Sometimes, stepping away from the pressure to perform or choreograph allows creativity to return naturally. Remember “dance like no one is watching”.
- Prepare yourself for the inevitable upswing – Inspiration will come back, so take your low time to be ready when it strikes. Re-organize your costume closet. Curate some new music and create new playlists. Play around with your stage makeup. Browse websites for new ideas, costumes, new music (or re-discover old music that you haven’t heard in a while), and exciting dance-project ideas. Make a list of the dance-related things you want to accomplish “someday”, and tuck it away for when the motivation returns.
Remember
Slumps are temporary, but how dancers handle them makes all the difference. Remember that even the greatest dancers go through slumps—what sets them apart is their ability to keep going. Allowing space for rest, growth, and new inspiration ensures that creative inspiration will always find its way back to you.
Inspiration may fade, but your love for dance is always there, waiting to be rediscovered. Trust the process, be kind to yourself, and know that every step, even the uncertain ones, are part of your journey. Keep moving, even if it’s just for yourself, and the passion will find its way back to you.