“To dance is to live. To live is to dance.” ~ M.A.D Motto
In life, we look to mentors to help us navigate the rugged terrain ahead.
Maple Academy of Dance, Vaughan Ontario, Canada
Receiving tips and advice from people who have “been there done that” is one of the most valuable lessons of all. It shows us the importance of paying it forward, it fosters gratitude, and it strengthens relationships which translate into lifelong bonds.
In my experience, I have been so fortunate to have many mentors who continuously share their support and their time (the ultimate gift) with both me and my partners/sisters Elisa and Samantha.
Recently, I had the unexpected pleasure of spending time with one of my childhood mentors at the wedding of a mutual friend.
Ginette Guimond Director of Maple Academy of Dance located in Vaughan Ontario, is an extraordinary example of how hard work, passion and dedication to her craft, her business, and her industry has translated into success in both her personal life and her business.
During dessert, our conversation shifted onto the topic of goal-setting and the importance of taking the small steps required to achieve and realize your larger goals.
In true dancer fashion, Ginette explained goal-setting with a dance analogy, which went something like this:
When you teach a student a Baryshnikov (a popular jump made famous by Russian ballet superstar Mikhail Nikolaevich Baryshnikov), you must first teach them how to execute the following moves:
- plie,
- fan kick,
- attitude position,
- spotting,
- landing techniques,
- posture, etc
“In essence, a goal should be broken up into smaller steps (like the Baryshnikov) which are the elements that end-goals are made of.”
As a former dancer teacher myself, comparing goal-setting to a dance step exemplified a perfect marriage of ideas sumed up in a simple dance analogy.
Looking back at my childhood experiences, being a dancer gave me (and still continues to give me), strength, discipline, self-confidence, perseverance – just to name a very few benefits of studying this incredible art form.
Positive mentors in the world – like Ginette – are (and will continue to be) absolutely invaluable to my development, my business and my life.
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