Why Dancers Write

Nov 30

Our bodies hold memories, emotions, and experiences that shape who we are. Every movement, whether through dance, exercise, or habits, allows us to tap into these hidden layers. When we engage in movement, we discover new perspectives on our identity, and when we write about these experiences, we bring clarity to our emotional world.

This process is essential when navigating the complexities of life, especially when faced with external challenges or criticism. In a recent interview with Misty Copeland, a world-renowned principal ballet dancer, I noticed the interviewer projecting her own uncertainty onto Misty, asking questions like, Is it hard to think that one day you won’t be dancing like you did when you were 20?

Despite the challenging nature of these questions, Misty remained composed, grounded, and confident. She shared that her journey as a company founder, philanthropist, and mother has been a beautiful and fulfilling part of her life’s evolution. The interviewer responded with "Wow, you're healthy," almost with a recognition of her own limited thinking.

As a dancer, I immediately understood that Misty’s empowerment is the result of self-reflection and self-care practices that dancers cultivate. She’s not ruled by fears, the past, or regrets. She follows her own inner guidance from a relationship she’s built with her mind, body, and emotions.

Journaling offers a valuable space to examine the external voices and opinions that challenge our sense of self. For Misty, this ability to stay grounded in her truth allows her to face each interview without losing her sense of identity. She knows that her worth is not confined to her role as a dancer; it is in the many ways she continues to shape the world.

When a person has developed strong emotional intelligence, they become less susceptible to shallow accusations, and as the first principal ballerina of color, Misty has faced a significant number of them. Her ability to overcome these barriers with mindfulness, empathy, and maturity highlights her profound self-awareness and resilience.

Journaling helps anyone, not just dancers, connect to their inner voice and build resilience. It provides a way to explore and reflect on the emotions and experiences that shape our actions and movements, unlocking our full potential.

Many artists, inventors, and philosophers, such as da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, and Albert Einstein, have used journaling for creativity and reflection. Dancers, however, use journaling to connect the mind with the body, making writing an essential part of self-discovery. This creates a unique perspective on existence, where dancers see the body as the medium through which the mind communicates and expresses itself, while thinkers tend to view the mind as the driving force behind the body. Thinkers can benefit from the dancer’s perspective because movement, paired with breath, nourishes the body and fuels the mind, enhancing clarity and creativity.

In my vlog, I share some journal prompts outlined by ChatGPT and explain how they can be personalized to fit anyone's unique experience with the mind-body connection. Additionally, I’ve included a PDF of the journal prompts and a link to help you create your own custom prompts for your personal growth.

Journaling nurtures emotional intelligence, enhancing our ability to communicate more authentically with others and ourselves. It helps us reflect on our experiences, identify our strengths and areas for growth, and build a more grounded sense of self, rich with meaning.

May your journey be filled with patience, grace, and unwavering trust in your body’s ability to heal, grow, and become stronger.