Hello Friends! For those who don’t already know, Mr. Francis and I are expecting our first child the beginning of July! We couldn’t be more excited as we have waited a while to begin our family due to the nature of our ballet careers. Given that I am now 4 months pregnant and officially done performing with Miami City Ballet until after my maternity leave, I thought now would be a good time to share some thoughts I’ve had during this experience that might be helpful to you all as well.
Try To Stay Positive
Firstly, it’s important to remember that what our bodies can do is truly incredible! As dancers we are constantly focused on what we can’t do instead of appreciating the amazing things we do every day! It is human nature to focus on our negative features but I think if we take a step back and truly evaluate ourselves, as dancers, there are so many positive aspects we tend to overlook. So, before you read any further, take a moment and appreciate all your many positive attributes.
Positivity Breeds Motivation
As a dancer, I believe a positive attitude is vital to continue our dancing, especially during pregnancy. As my pregnancy got farther along, I would notice how much harder it was to lift my leg in arabesque and that I didn't have the force to jump as high as I had in the past. But I came to realize that it was astounding I could even do these things at all, let alone while growing a human inside of me! I now have a deeper understanding of how important it has been for me to stay motivated throughout my career.
Body Positivity
It is no secret that I have dealt with body issues during the course of my career. We have all struggled with the thought of attaining the “perfect ballet body” and on many occasions, I personally, have been told by directors I was “not in shape.” However, despite now being the heaviest I have ever been, I also feel more strong and beautiful in different ways. I hope that you too will, sooner rather than later, realize how amazing your body is and appreciate how it continues to carry you through the amazing art of ballet.
A final thought for all us dancers out there; don’t take for granted the moments we create onstage or the memories we share together in the studio. Being a dancer is pretty special and the bonds and experiences we make through this art form are unparalleled. Sometimes when we are exhausted or our feet hurt and we don’t want to do another show of Snow or Flowers, we forget what a fleeting career this can be. Getting to perform onstage in beautiful costumes to a live orchestra is what dreams are made of!
As I have gotten older, I have really tried to come to appreciate more of these moments because I know they won’t be there forever. Especially after having to take my maternity leave sooner than expected last week. It’s a daunting feeling not knowing when I will be back up on that stage and I know this time off will give me a deeper appreciation for ballet when I return. Remember my friends, don’t let silly things like casting, jealousy, or your own insecurities control you. Instead, let us appreciate the amazing opportunities we have to share our creativity and passion with other artists every day and that is a true blessing.
This positive mindset is something we incorporate into all of our programs at Veyette Virtual Ballet School (VVBS). We seek to provide a nurturing environment for ballet students and their parents to take their next steps towards achieving their goals. If you would like to learn more about VVBS or just need some words of encouragement please Contact Us Today or click the link below!