Prodigy Performance Habits E-Book

Rustin Matthew

• Herausgeber: BooxAi
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

'Prodigy Performance' provides guidance for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of mindset, goal-setting, positive self-talk, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. It stresses the significance of dedication, persistence, efficient training, healthy habits, and maintaining focus on long-term goals. Through the sections in this book, it explores the principles of safe training, the value of competition, the impact of social circles, and the role of mentors. It encourages dancers to cultivate a proactive approach to their careers, fostering self-belief, gratitude, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Leseprobe

Rustin Matthew

Prodigy Performance Habits

All rights reserved

Copyright © 2024 by Rustin Matthew

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published by BooxAI

ISBN: 978-965-578-873-0

PRODIGY PERFORMANCE HABITS

RUSTIN MATTHEW

CONTENTS

Introduction

1. Section 1: Why Me? What is a Prodigy Performer? Am I one?

Mindset check - 8 questions

Why Do I Need These Habits?

Outstanding Things Don't Happen with Average Effort

You Are the Exception

Hard Work Alone Isn't Enough

2. Section 2: 8 Prodigy Performance Habits

The 8 Prodigy Performance Habits

3. Section 3: What’s holding you back?

I'm Not the Best Dancer in the Room

Am I doing too much?

I don’t know what I want

How do I look?

It's close enough

I can’t do it - Nobody Cares Why You Failed

Dealing with Burnout

4. Section 4: Proper training

Be safe and careful with your training and your body

Take your time

How do you learn?

Find the right help

5. Section 5: Prodigy Performers expect to win

Everybody gets a trophy

Everything is Connected

What Matters

6. Section 6: Prodigy Performance

44 Questions to Reflect on Personally and as a Dancer

7. Section 7: Energy and Actions

All the Feels

Energy & Actions

Mastering Time Management

Keeping the ball rolling

Hit the Reboot Button

Practice makes perfect

Risking it all: Making Mistakes

I wanna be like you!

Enjoy the Journey

8. Section 8: OUTSIDE INFLUENCES / Who’s your Crew

Surround Yourself with the Right People

Parents and Support Systems

Know Your Teachers

Studios and Dance Programs

The Social Dilemma

9. Section 9: Hard truths

You Are the Ultimate Decision-Maker

Your Only True Competition is Yourself

It's Okay to Change Your Mind

Attracting Like Energies

10. Section 10: TIME TO WORK… Where to start?

Cultivating the Right Mindset

Setting Goals and Planning

Maintaining Clear Focus and Persistence

Efficient Training, Healthy Eating, and Proper Sleep Habits

Practice and Dedication to Your Craft

Polishing Your Social Media Skills and Presentation

Effectively Dealing with Failure and Setbacks

Confident Leadership Abilities

11. Section 11: Let it flow… Be Creative

Let it Flow

Work outside the box

Collaborate with everyone

12. Section 12: May the force be with you…

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the loves of my life Tracy, Roxy and Hartley. 

… and to Katie, who said that’s the only thing that could get her to read a book!

... and to you, it's the audience that makes it special! 

INTRODUCTION

HAVE MORE. DO MORE. BE MORE!

IT IS WHAT IT IS…

In an ever-evolving and fast-changing world, one thing is clear: the rules of the game are shifting, and we're advancing and progressing every day. Many of the old norms and industry conventions are rapidly becoming obsolete. It's now up to someone to determine the new rules, shape the path of our industry, and understand how dance training and performance fit into this era of groundbreaking technology. Who will lead the way and define the future of live entertainment? The answer is simple: Prodigy Performers, and that means you!

There have been countless times when I thought, "Why didn't they teach me that in school?" or "If I had known that at a younger age..." My goal with this book is to open your eyes to the habits that will empower you to adapt, rewrite, and personalize these rules, not just within the dance industry but in every aspect of life. By implementing the insights you gain from this book, you'll establish a solid foundation and cultivate the confidence to propel yourself forward. These habits will not only shape your future but also define your life and career. By embracing Prodigy Performance habits, you will have the power to create your own destiny.

You've grown up in an information age with social media and reality TV that has transformed everything. Today's dancers have access to information faster and more conveniently than ever before. Performers can instantly share their content and receive immediate feedback. This has changed the game on every level! Dance studios must now adapt to ever-changing trends more rapidly and push the envelope in regards to their dancers doing more earlier than ever. Because of this, training has become more efficient, and young dance athletes are achieving incredible feats at an earlier age. The best teachers and choreographers are just a click away, 24/7. The ability to brand yourself, market your talents, and create limitless content is at your fingertips.

So, the question becomes, how will you harness this unlimited potential? This is an incredible opportunity, but as the Peter Parker principle reminds us, "With great power comes great responsibility." What image do you want to portray to the world? What values do you stand for? When is the right time to act? There are so many questions, but don’t worry; there are answers, too.

While some may argue about how to address these questions, I say, let’s look at ourselves first, develop great personal habits, and decide who we want to be. Then, let's embrace the digital age and the opportunities it offers. The internet is here to stay, and our phones are integral to our lives.

The world will continue to evolve, with or without us. This means it's our responsibility to equip ourselves and the next generation of dancers with the best habits to navigate this changing landscape and create success in all areas. We achieve this by implementing Prodigy Performance habits, both mentally and physically. If you've been waiting to get started on a path of doing more and being more, your wait is over; it's "Go Time." If you're just beginning, if life has knocked you down, it's time to get back up, “Let's Go.” If you're already doing well, and are living all your dreams, let’s keep that ball rolling, you can achieve even greater heights. Regardless of where you are personally, the habits outlined in this book will propel you in the right direction and help you stay there. The journey continues. Take a deep breath and smile; this is just the beginning. I'm excited about your journey and the impact you'll make on the world.

IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN WORK ON?

"Is there anything I can work on?" This is a question I've been asked repeatedly after convention dance classes, rehearsals, and auditions, and it serves as one of the main catalysts for writing this book. In the early stages of my teaching career, I saw nothing wrong with this question and even encouraged it. I was delighted to be asked for my opinion, and I wanted dancers to take an active role in their learning. However, as I gained more experience and shifted my focus from myself to the students, I began to think, "Wow, if these dancers are truly looking for an edge, they could ask much more insightful questions." Many student truly fail to fully utilize all the great teachers they have access to.

While I continued to answer honestly and tried to provide as much guidance as I could, I found the question becoming somewhat cliché. I now recognize it as a potentially lazy and uninspiring inquiry. Of course, the short answer is always "yes," as there are always areas to improve. But I now expect more specificity. As a teacher who values both style and technique, I could easily provide a generic list of answers, a canned response, in the limited time available before or after a class or event. To be honest, many times, I also question how sincere this question even is! I often suspecting it might be something young dancers are told to ask by their parents or teachers, and they, in turn, ask it of every instructor. The reply goes in one ear and out the other as the main goal was to just ask a question, have some face time, and satisfy mom or their teacher. Let’s flip that script!

In some sense, just asking that question is better than nothing, as it at least encourages interaction with instructors. But what if we aimed higher? What if we taught young dancers to ask more thoughtful questions and fostered strong Prodigy Performance habits from a young age? What if every dancer had a plan? What if dancers were aware of what they were working on and could pose precise questions instead of generic ones? What if they were accustomed to processing and applying information in every dance class and felt at ease with critical thinking? With these skills, they could ask more specific questions and use the answers to address their current concerns and areas of focus. This would allow more time and energy for everything. Allowing them to Have more, Do more, & Be more.

Undoubtedly, this approach would be far more efficient. It would also lead to better concentration and accelerated progress, thus helping you tackle your personal "to-do" list more effectively. If you're still genuinely asking, "Is there anything I can work on?" it's time to shift your focus to asking the right questions of the right people and becoming more detail-oriented in every aspect of your dance journey.

BUSY IS A CHOICE

Everything starts and ends with you, so let’s clarify a few things. To begin, if you were content with mediocrity, you wouldn't have picked up this book in the first place. If it was given to you, consider it a gesture of love and belief in your potential. Give your benefactor a hug. They already see you as a Prodigy, or they believe you're on your way. It's time to give yourself the same credit. Often, things come to us precisely when we need them. I’m imagining that made you smile. Energies tend to attract similar energies. You might be reading this at a young age, free from entrenched habits that need correction. That's my greatest hope, you are about to save so much time! On the flip side, you could be stepping into or continuing on with a current dance career and this boost will refocus and motivate. Either way, the timing is perfect, and this book is exactly what you need. Embrace it. Learn, remember, and challenge ideas that clash with your current thoughts and beliefs. I know you're smiling because you know it’s true. Keep reading; there's more.

No matter how much you've achieved so far, you're probably seeking more, something beyond what "normal" people settle for. You can't fathom a life of mundane mediocrity. Settling for replicating what others around you do is not an option, am I right? If you resonate with these sentiments, we're on the right track. But how do you get there? Your habits are how.

This book will spotlight a proven set of behaviors I hope you will soon call habits used by myself and other truly extraordinary dancers, choreographers, and industry professionals, whom I call Prodigy Performers or Prodigies for short. These exceptional individuals continually transcend what's considered achievable and normal in the dance world and beyond. Regardless of your age or current level, these habits work. When I mention "Prodigy Performer," I'm not only referring to performing on a stage. I mean performing in the broader context of how you approach each day on the stage of life - what you do and how you do it. Developing these exceptional habits will elevate your performance in all aspects of life. It's not arbitrary; it's a crafted and cultivated process that's available to you if you're willing to work on it. The secret is that it's as easy as you make it. Let's get to work.

• If you're a studio dancer in the world of competition and conventions aiming for a professional dance career, these habits are for you.

• If you already consider yourself a Prodigy and want to maintain that path while avoiding extended plateaus, these habits will bring clarity and continued success.

• If you have two left feet and don't have any dance-related aspirations but want to excel in various life endeavors, congratulations - you can also apply these habits to your goals.

This book may be directed at dancers, but it's ultimately about life. The bottom line is this: Prodigy Performance habits work.

Let’s get straight to the point: Success doesn't happen to you; it happens because of you. Your thoughts and actions have brought you to where you are in your classes, your career, and your life. Now, it's time to align your habits with your thoughts and goals. This will propel you toward your dreams. Whether you're ten years old, striving to develop great habits from the start, or fifty years young, seeking to break and change unproductive habits that no longer serve you, it's vital to recognize your unused gifts and untapped potential. It's time to implement Prodigy Performance habits to propel you to the top and keep you there.

Throughout my years in dance studios, conventions, competitions, and the professional dance world, I've been repeatedly asked, "How is it done? How do you make it in the dance industry?" I've not only been asked how I've achieved success but also the million dollar question, “How others can replicate it in the current industry.” What can parents do to ensure their child can have a professional performing career? Is there a secret recipe? What can I (or my dancer) do to "make it" in the dance industry? Unfortunately, there's no secret sauce, and everyone's journey is unique. However, there are steps you can take to accelerate your journey and save a considerable amount of time, money, and energy. You also must always remember what works for some may not fit everyone. You are truly unique and will write your own journey. Take all of this information and apply what you need to give yourself that added boost.

Remember, the definition of success varies based on who you ask. Ultimately, in your life, it's you who defines it. You're successful when you decide you are, and that word may carry a much different meaning for the person beside you. Numerous variables are out of your control, but you can position yourself to succeed in any circumstance. Align your goals with your definition of success so that, no matter the situation, you stay on your chosen path. Successful people practice the habits of success. That's what this book is about - not debating different definitions of success but helping you find yours.

When I started writing this, I began to examine my own path. What puts me among the seemingly "one in a million" who have enjoyed a lasting career in the dance industry, first performing, then teaching and choreographing, and now owning my own convention and competition?

Maybe I am lucky. Was I inherently talented? Was it all just a matter of being in the right place at the right time? Did I just have a really good agent? Was I just naturally flexible and found my niche? Is it the Cheetah Mohawk? Yes, all of these things contributed to my personal success, but let me share the unadulterated truth. I've realized that luck played a very minimal role in it. To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, the harder I work and the better habits I have, the luckier I get (I added "the better habits I have"). The most remarkable aspect is that my life doesn't feel like work. I'm currently living a life that far exceeds the dreams I had as a teenager. I have even bigger and loftier aspirations that keep evolving and growing, and it feels like I'm only just beginning. I'm experiencing a life of abundance. I am surrounded by a team of creative artists that are also really great people and I still feel the best is yet to come.

How did I reach this point? In my formative years, I wasn't the star of my dance studio, far from it. I didn't receive convention scholarships, nor did I win top competition solo awards as a teenager. No Mr. Dance titles. I wasn't born into privilege or handed easy opportunities. So, what's the secret? Well, for starters, I've been told I never stop "working." Some may even label me a bit of a workaholic, urging me to rest or take a vacation. I agree; on paper, it may seem like I'm constantly engaged in a whirlwind, but I always want to do more tomorrow. I’ve been told, “I know you must be busy,” and I think no, I’m not because I’m in complete control of what that means to me. I love vacations but don't feel the need for a vacation from work because, in my eyes, my life and career are a vacation. I've arranged it this way; I'm in complete control of my own schedule. The things I love doing are seamlessly woven into the fabric of my life. People can be amazed by my daily productivity. I, in turn, am amazed by how little some people accomplish in a day. It's bewildering to me how they accept a cycle of unhappiness and dissatisfaction, day after day, year after year, without making any changes. In my experience, such individuals are usually the most negative and challenging to deal with. They lack motivation and are prone to whining and blaming others for their current position in life. This is more than likely because they're engaged in activities they don't want to do, often with minimal compensation and no recognition. It doesn't have to be this way. I've built a life and career around everything I love and continue to want to do. With the right habits and a little hard work, you will, too.

THE HARD TRUTHS

“You must want to be a butterfly so badly, you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” – Sekou Andrews.

Depending on your age and current situation, this book will resonate differently with you. Each person is on a unique life path, and where you currently stand will significantly impact how these principles apply to you. Your goals today should be significantly different from those you had five years ago and will have five years from now. If they remain unchanged, it is a problem that needs your attention. Like the above quote, you have to want it so much that you are willing to give up old, comfortable habits and embrace change.

What are you waiting for? Are you seeking permission to be great? I wish I could offer a magic potion, but honestly, only you can grant yourself that permission. You can wait for others to validate you or for someone to guide you with gradual steps and sound advice on why this path suits you. You can wait to win an award or get to the point where it’s do or die to survive. However, why complicate it? Stop resisting the inevitable. There's no need for rationalization. Let these habits empower you to be great now.

It's possible to think a younger studio dancer aiming to win a competition or title has completely different goals and an easier ability to change their situation more quickly than someone preparing for college or entering the industry. You may think a current successful dancer has different objectives and is way further along than someone who is not booking and striving just to keep up. Let’s face it: even if your situation and variables are different, we are all searching for the same thing: success. These habits are relevant for success in all situations. Use them as a guide, but know you will have to add your own ingredients. I believe that dancers often rise to the level of expectations and have an innate ability to quickly absorb the information they receive. This is why this book is intended for everyone, regardless of age, and it will reveal how you can keep progressing well beyond your current age or any perceived limitations.

If you are reading this and are merely hoping to survive, holding on to a dream while experiencing little or no success, and are still striving to catch your big break. That’s ok. Things can easily change with a redirect of your priorities and habits. What's beautiful about these habits is that they can be applied to your unique situation, no matter what it may be. Be prepared, not scared. It's essential to be honest with yourself and muster the courage to confront the truth that, ultimately, it's you who determines your own standards. Are you “The One,” or are you one of them? This book is for “The Ones.” And that is a personal choice.

ASKING FOR A FRIEND…

During the first few weeks I started writing this book, I conducted an experimental survey to gauge the thoughts of others on these topics. One day, on a whim, I texted a group of successful friends and colleagues, individuals I would consider Prodigy Performers in the industry, and asked them to answer five questions. I kept it casual and mentioned, "I'm doing research for a book project... You can respond as briefly or expansively as you'd like." The respondents included professional dancers, choreographers, studio owners, teachers, and directors. I was interested in their responses, but I also observed their response times, response structure, and depth of answers. Essentially, what it turned into was that I was examining their habits in communication while simultaneously mining their wisdom. This shed a light on many important things.

I estimated that it would take a maximum of 5 or 10 minutes of thought to reply, which doesn't seem too much. These individuals are people I've worked with, for, or alongside, and I consider them friends and colleagues. I'd readily take a few minutes to assist any of them in a similar capacity. The response was overwhelmingly positive. However, I was quite surprised by certain other factors.

The time it took for them to reply, who responded instantly, who responded with, "I'll get back to you tomorrow," and whether or when they actually did. It was also intriguing to see who delved into philosophical discussions and who had difficulty answering the questions directly, often leading to more complex questions. For instance, one of my questions was, "What causes a developmental plateau?" One answer I received was, "A developmental plateau can be a positive thing as it gives dancers time to process." This interpretation, which views a plateau as the period required to transform new behaviors into habits, is a valid perspective. However, it doesn't directly answer my initial question. Knowing the personality of the person who replied to this and how I immediately judged the way they communicate was my first “aha” moment! This is what I found interesting. I responded to everyone with a simple "thank you." This was, after all, an unofficial survey.