How to get out of your own way & improve your technique!

Whenever I ask the Balanced Ballerinas community for topic suggestions I always receive, 'How do I improve my technique?'

The reason I'm always confused by this question is because the answer is actually so simple. However the more I think about it, the action and belief system that needs to take place is perhaps not so simple. 

So I guess I shouldn't be confused by this question at all!

If we go practical, I believe there's only three things you need to improve your technique...

1. Develop a consistent ballet practise 
2. Invest in an online coach, in-person teacher OR a hybrid of the two
3. Find a community you resonate with (eg. Balanced Ballerinas)

But if we dive deeper there are three things you need to understand and digest in order to accomplish those three practical recommendations...

1. You need to start NOW

I find that most of the time, the people who ask this question keep putting off what can be done today. The moment you stop putting off for tomorrow what can be done today, is the moment you begin improving. 

If students start today (enrol in that class, sign up for that course!) you will be amazed at what you will accomplish and how much you will begin to improve in a day, week, month and year.

Oftentimes I receive emails half way through the year from potential students expressing how much they feel called to begin ballet training. They're so enthusiastic and ready to go, but then they read the booking information and begin looking at photos and videos of my current students online and say, "I don't think I'm ready yet and have decided to start fresh in the new year!"

Then those same students come back for their first class six months later and say to me, "Why did I wait so long to begin? I don't know why I was so worried and put this off. That was challenging but so fun!" And people have to arrive at moments in their own time, but imagine if these students started a whole six months prior (when they initially enquired)? They would be so much further ahead in their technique and training. 

Begin NOW. Don't wait for the perfect time, the start of a new year or someone else's permission. Get out of your own way and remember that everyone has to start somewhere. 

2. Mindset is everything. You need to IDENTIFY as a ballet student.

I find that a lot of people stall or stop their ballet training because they feel unworthy of its rewards.  

If you decide you're a ballet student with poise, discipline and grace. Then you ARE a ballet student with poise, discipline and grace. It's really that simple.

I have two very practical tips for this one!

Firstly, you need to listen to Episode #72 of The Balanced Ballerinas Podcast titled, 'You are absolutely allowed to call yourself a ballerina!'

And secondly, download the 'ThinkUp' app to record and listen to your personalised daily affirmations. There is a paid and free version of this app and basically you can pre-record in your own voice and listen anywhere at anytime. 

Just like anything, consistency is key and consistent affirmations have been scientifically proven to be effective in changing parts of your personality like confidence. Remember that thoughts impact our biology.

I've only just discovered the 'ThinkUp' app and it's my new favourite tool heading into this year. I'll even give you a head start if you're not sure what to record. Try this...

I am releasing all my fears and worries about becoming a ballet student. 

I am a ballet student.

I am living in my full potential.

I believe in myself and have the knowledge and resources to achieve my dreams.

3. Believe you are worthy of investing in YOURSELF

If you haven't already committed to your ballet practise make today the day you decide to change. You deserve to invest in yourself and what's calling you.

I recently received an email from a lovely young lady who I had a Discovery Call with a few months ago. She was interested in my 12 Week Adult Ballet Course but couldn't justify spending the money on herself.

Her email said, "Georgia could you please send the link through for the 12 Week Adult Ballet Course again! I know we had our call months ago and I know I initially said no to signing up, but I can't stop thinking about it!"

Currently this student is now thriving within the content, building strong foundations and feeling more motivated than ever...

And that's the key! As humans, it's almost impossible to motivate ourselves. Very few have that special gift! So yes, we can find plenty of free content on the internet to provide us some 'ballet training' - I myself have many free tutorials and lessons on the Balanced Ballerinas YouTube Channel.

But when you actually pay for a service and invest in yourself, you're so much more likely to show up and DO the work as opposed to floating around in cyberspace not sure where to begin.

In-person classes and online courses give you structure and framework to ensure you're training effectively, strategically and mindfully. As teachers, we know what we're doing and when you pay for the service you're paying for the guidance and kick up the butt we all need from time to time!

In fact, you'd be surprised by how many ballet teachers from around the world have completed or are completing my 12 Week Adult Ballet Course and they all say the same thing, "I just need some motivation and it's literally impossible to give myself class!"

I am exactly the same but in a business context. My business went from strength to strength when I finally invested (quite a lot of money) in a business coach instead of continuing to sign up for free marketing webinars. 

Coaches help you make a plan and stick to it. When you do this your health, mood, motivation and life will improve because you're investing in yourself instead of getting in your own way and doubting your full potential.

And as you all know, it's my absolute mission in life to help my students (online or in-person) find balance in their lives and view the practise of ballet as moving meditation! 

Peace & Pliés,

Georgia x