Inspiring Insights

Ballet, being a nonverbal art, and the fact that class time is limited, often does not allow teachers and staff members sufficient opportunities to guide, lead, teach, and mentor our students in a more complete way. We look forward to sharing messages we feel are of value; and we look forward to taking moments to reflect upon items shared under “Inspiring Insights” in the future.

An Inspiring Insight from Faculty Member, Theresa Crawford

PASSION

You, the students of GAB are surrounded by teachers, administrators, company members, board members, volunteers, and fellow students who are passionate about dance. This positive spirit was evident the first time I walked into the GAB building. You are fortunate to have support here and at home as you develop your craft. Your teachers have trained you well and carefully, showing their passion. You process corrections and take class with a hunger and openness which demonstrates your level of interest and commitment.

"Passion (from Latin verb patior meaning to suffer or to endure) is an emotion applied to a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something. The term is also often applied to a lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, activity, or love. Passion can be expressed as a feeling of unusual excitement, enthusiasm, or compelling emotion towards a subject, idea, person, or object. A person is said to have a passion for something when he has a strong positive affinity for it.  A love for something and a passion for something are often used synonymously." - Wikipedia

Passion is an important attribute for a dancer and for any successful person. As a performer, you must be able to convey your emotions to the audience. The process of training your body to the point where you can relax enough on stage to let your emotions come to the surface requires many years of intense training. I often equate ballet training with that of programming a computer. Once you have the muscle memory correctly stored, you are free to let your personality and emotions take over. For muscle memory to take place, you have to attend as many classes as possible and apply yourself 100% in every class.

"Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I can't imagine a person becoming successful who doesn't give this game of life everything he's got." - Walter Cronkite

"Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion." - Martha Graham

You are truly blessed to have the support of your family and the many passionate people at GAB. Stay enthusiastic, apply yourself to the maximum, and be true to your passion!