Follow Ally Cannon on Instagram @ally_dance24

Being kind is something we have all learned since we were young, and watched Bambi.  But I think it is good to have a reminder now and then.  There are so many ways that you can show kindness and still be an amazing dancer.  

First, kindness matters at auditions.  When your nerves may seem to get the best of you, be supportive and kind to those you are competing against.  Your judges and your coaches notice.  They want to coach dancers that are positive, kind, and who will be coachable.  Be sure to wish those you are competing against luck, and let them know they did a great job.  Also, if you have the opportunity to thank the judges for their time and consideration, that speaks volumes for your character. 

Second, kindness matters in class and practices.  Be kind to the members of your team.  In my experience, It is easy to have lots of drama in dance, and not always the good kind of drama!   My lyrical coach calls me the glue of our team, so I feel a great responsibility to be a peacemaker when other members of my team are not getting along with each other.  And with the amount of hours we spend together, this one may take some serious effort!  But is is a much more healthy environment to be positive and kind, rather than mean and negative to each other.  We learn better and will be a better team if we work with our team members instead of working against them.  These things really do show through on the floor.    

Third, kindness matters to our coaches.  Be positive and kind to your coaches.  Never speak poorly about a coach especially in front of other dancers.  Our coaches spend a ton of time preparing, choreographing, and helping us become better dancers.  We may not always agree with our placement, where we dance in the routine, and who gets solo parts, but we need to remember that our coaches have a lot of experience and know what will be best for our team.  Also, tell your coaches thank you each time you leave practice and competitions. 

Fourth, kindness matters at competitions.  Be kind all dancers, especially those who are not on your team or from your studio.  Be kind and respectful of other dancers and others' moms (and their belongings) in dressing rooms, in the practice gym, in the halls, and as they are performing.  Do not ever walk out in the middle of another team's routine as hey are performing it.  Always wait until they are finished, and remind your family and friends about this kindness matters rule!  And always congratulate those teams and dancers you compete against, even if they score higher than you do, this also shows great character.

Lastly, kindness matters at conventions.  Be kind to other dancers and choreographers.  One of the biggest things you can do at conventions is smile!  Everyone at the convention may not be there with a large circle of friends, so make someone feel welcome to be where you are.  You never know if you may be the only person who even says "hi" to them all day!  If you see a dancer sitting alone, take a minute and say hello or sit with them.  Also, if other dancers recognize you and want to take a quick picture with you, be kind and take time.  I have met some awesome (and now very famous dancers who are probably a household name in houses where NBC's World of Dance aired), and every one of them took time to meet me and take a quick pic with me!  I will always be a fan and love them for it.

To sum this all up, as dancers, kindness matters in every aspect of our season.  So make your dance world a better place and show your support, respect, and kindness every chance you get.  By doing this, we will not only make our dance worlds a better place, but will also end up making the whole world a better place...  because kindness matters everywhere.