Growth Mindset in Dance: Helping Students Reach Their Goals
Author: Olivia Webb
I LIVE for goals, habit tracking, and a growth mindset. My modern contemporary class knows this well; they might roll their eyes when I mention their yearly goal or check in on their progress, but I think they secretly love it. And if they don’t? I’m okay with being that teacher who bugs them now, because years later, they’ll remember how those gentle nudges helped them grow as dancers. My hope is always to plant a seed of a growth mindset that carries into every part of their lives.
What is a Growth Mindset in Dance?
A growth mindset is the continuous desire to learn and improve. In dance, this can be especially tough because it’s easy to compare yourself to others in the studio.
If you know me, you know I’m 4’11 and muscular—not exactly the “ideal” look of a ballerina. I often compared myself to the long-legged, elegant dancers in my ballet classes. Instead of giving up, I made an active effort to improve the things I could: my jumps, flexibility, and strength. Maybe it came from my competitive nature, but it pushed me to be a better dancer. Of course, it also led to not always knowing when to stop, but that’s another topic for another day.
Why Goals Matter in the Studio
Setting goals helps dancers push themselves without the pressure of auditions, competitions, or constant comparisons. What does competing against each other really teach? Instead, I want students to understand the importance of preparation and hard work. When they see the connection between consistent effort and real results, it builds confidence and resilience.
At Dance Unlimited in Tiffin, OH, our focus is not on anxiety-inducing auditions, but on personal growth. Let’s be honest, our students already face enough pressures from social media, school, and their own inner critics. The studio should be a place where they feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow.
Dance as a Safe Space
Dance has always been that safe space for me—especially when my thoughts felt too loud or overwhelming. Now, working with middle school and high school dancers, I see the same trend. So many of them carry the weight of stress about their futures. That’s why I’m passionate about creating an environment where dance is not just about movement, but also about confidence, expression, and support. My efforts at Dance Unlimited might not solve every concern, but if the studio can be a step in the right direction, then it’s worth every moment.
Imagine this is you…
