Follow Mirai Tijerino on Instagram @mirai_dances

We've all struggled with it at one point or another. Whether in school or dance or any other part of our lives, the pressure to compare ourselves to other people around us can sometimes get the better of us. And while comparison isn't necessarily a bad thing, the problems arise when we knock ourselves down because of it. 

We all know or have seen that one standout dancer either at our studio, in our circuit or maybe on Instagram. The one who does the best tricks, is the most flexible, dances with the most grace, has the best leaps and turns or takes the most amazing pictures. While these things can inspire us to stretch more, practice more or take an extra class or two, we shouldn't make ourselves feel bad because we are not at that level. 

Every dancer progresses at his/her own rate. You may never be the super bendy, trick-filled firecracker but as we get older tricks are used less and less. Right now, you may only be able to do a single or double pirouette but if you work on perfecting those and continue your training, you'll be working toward multiples soon enough. Remember quality over quantity! The important thing is to focus on being better than you were yesterday or last week or last month. If you're focused on others, chances are you're not focused on what YOU should be doing to become a better dancer. 

Lastly, a warning about falling into the Instagram trap. There will always be dancers with more followers than you, more likes and/or comments, more features, etc. Take Instagram for what it is...a place to support friends, make new ones and build community.  If you do that, you're already winning!

XOXO, Mirai