Dancing Smart: Using the Power of Positive Psychology

by DeAnne Boegli, owner BHF Dance Academy

Positive psychology stories have been hitting the news and bookshelves in droves recently. Experts recommend thinking positive thoughts to get a positive outcome. But this is not a new concept; motivational speakers have been pitching the power of positive thinking to audiences for years. Why is it getting mainstream attention now?

A positive attitude can make a difference between struggling with a challenge and tackling it head on. Without confidence, we cannot make good things happen. We live in a world of change, and adapting to change takes confidence. Today, more than ever, we need to think positive.

How does this impact dance teachers? In college I majored in psychology and journalism. My goal was to become a public relations professional, and I’ve accomplished that. But I needed to listen to my creative voice, so I started a dance school. Like most dance teachers, I’ve been promoting self-confidence for years. We tackle a common fear—of public performance or public speaking—every year, recital after recital. I’ve always prided myself on preparing young students for their first performance, which is critical to long-term success. Training students to feel an adrenaline rush rather than fear (and to use it to perform their best) is so important. We give them a huge gift: freedom from fear. After a positive stage experience their self-confidence starts to grow and they can’t wait to get back up there.

At my school we are all about self-confidence. It’s my goal. Our tag line is “Life is a Stage. Start Dancing™.” And I mean this. I want to raise confident young students with great attitudes. Sure, if we grow some amazing dancers along the way I’ll consider it a great success, but it won’t be my crowning achievement. Seeing a successful person with exceptional confidence in everyday life will be my reward.

We put a twist on the reverence tradition. We state our reverence verbally, and through the years the kids have added their own choreography to it from time to time. At the end of each class we say, “I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance! ™.” For five years my students have been repeating this—and they believe it. (And so do their parents.) Go ahead—say it to yourself out loud: “I’m smart. I’m strong and I love to dance.” Doesn’t that make you feel good? That is positive psychology in the works. Repetitive self-affirmation is good for your soul.

At first, some of the young girls couldn’t say it because they didn’t believe it. I would have them stand in front of the mirror and tell themselves, “I’m smart. I’m strong and I love to dance.” Some couldn’t look themselves in the eye. It was a sad moment for me, but it made me even more dedicated to this activity. If no one else in their life was going to tell them they were smart and strong, then I wanted to teach them how to tell it to themselves. I had a good laugh when the senior class took artistic license with our statement, chanting, “I’m hot, I’m tired and I want to go home!” with a few giggles. I had to admire their creativity.

Before each recital, while the kids are anxiously waiting, I shout, “I’m going out now to open the curtain for you. Let me hear it!” Then voices say in unison, “I’m smart. I’m strong and I love to dance!” From the youngest to the oldest, they all say it together. I get goose bumps each time. It calms them down and equalizes them. They are a team, even though some of them have never met. They are in control of their emotions. They are building self-awareness.

Some of my staff doubted this technique’s effectiveness until they saw it in action. They are believers today. And we even say it at the end of our final performance, as a way to say goodbye until the next season starts.

Find your own statement. Say what comes naturally and fits with your teaching style. I’m confident you will find success. As it becomes part of your brand, it will help differentiate your school from your competitors. Drill it in over time, until it’s something that they will remember when they are 40. “I’m smart. I’m strong and I love to dance!” It’s fun. Try it.