Setting Values for Success in the Dance World: A Guide for Educators and Students | Ashley Mowrey*

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In the world of dance, values play a crucial role in shaping the culture, mindset, and overall experience of dancers, educators, and studios. Values go beyond mere guidelines; they are the bedrock upon which a thriving dance community is built. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of setting values and how they can impact both dancers and educators, along with practical steps to define and implement values effectively.

Understanding the Difference Between Values and Ethics

Before diving into the importance of values in the dance world, let's clarify the distinction between values and ethics. Ethics primarily focus on the concepts of right and wrong, guiding behavior based on moral principles. On the other hand, values are the deeply-held beliefs and principles that drive our actions, decisions, and interactions. While ethics provide a framework for moral conduct, values encompass a broader spectrum of personal beliefs that extend beyond the dichotomy of right and wrong.

The Importance of Setting Values for Dancers and Educators

Values act as a compass that directs individuals and groups toward their goals, aspirations, and overall well-being. For dancers, having well-defined values provides a clear sense of purpose and direction, allowing them to make decisions that align with their authentic selves. For educators and studio directors, establishing values is equally essential. Values guide curriculum choices, teaching methodologies, and interactions with students and parents, ultimately shaping the environment in which dancers grow.

Benefits of Setting Values

• Clarity and Focus: Clearly defined values help dancers and educators focus on what truly matters, enabling them to prioritize actions and decisions that are in alignment with their core beliefs.
• Empowerment: Values empower individuals to make confident choices, as they have a strong foundation of guiding principles to rely on.
• Unity and Alignment: When teams, studios, or dance communities collectively establish values, it fosters a sense of unity, mutual understanding, and shared purpose among all members.
• Accountability: Values provide a basis for accountability, encouraging individuals to uphold their commitments and make amends when their actions deviate from their stated principles.

Navigating Conflicting Values and Behaviors

It's not uncommon for individuals within a dance community to have varying values, leading to occasional conflicts or misalignments. In such cases, open communication becomes crucial. Educators can initiate conversations to understand the values of their students and find common ground. Studio teams can collaboratively set team values, allowing each member's perspective to be heard and respected. If individual behaviors conflict with established values, addressing the issue with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to growth can help find a resolution.

Accountability and Self-Reflection

Even with the best intentions, there may be instances when dancers or educators deviate from their stated values. In these moments, self-compassion is key. Acknowledge the misalignment, take accountability, and commit to making amends. Self-reflection provides an opportunity for personal growth and an invitation to return to one's core values.

Aligning Curriculum and Studio Practices with Values

One of the most impactful ways to integrate values into the dance community is by aligning curriculum, teaching methodologies, and studio practices with the established values. For example, if one of the values is fostering inclusivity, educators can consciously create a curriculum that celebrates diversity and promotes an inclusive environment. If teamwork is a core value, studio practices can be structured to encourage collaboration among dancers.

Setting values in the dance world is not just about creating a list of ideals; it's about embodying those ideals through actions, decisions, and interactions. Whether you're a dancer, educator, or studio director, embracing values that resonate with your authentic self can lead to a more fulfilling dance journey. By recognizing the significance of values and fostering a culture of open communication, empathy, and growth, the dance community can thrive in unity, purpose, and shared values.

StEPS Homework Assignment: Take the time to define your own core values, both as an individual and as a dance educator or studio owner. Reflect on what truly matters to you and your dance community. Consider the impact you want to make on your students, the atmosphere you want to create, and the principles you want to uphold. Utilize resources such as the provided blog post on values by Ashley Mowrey to guide you through the process. If you're an educator, involve your team or studio members in the discussion and decision-making to ensure a collaborative approach. By setting and clarifying your values, you'll have a solid foundation to guide your actions, interactions, and decisions, creating a more authentic and purposeful dance journey for yourself and your students.

Apolla Performance's mission closely aligns with the importance of establishing and embracing core values within the dance community. Through their innovative dancewear and educational initiatives, Apolla encourages dancers and educators to uphold values that empower and nurture personal growth. The Beyond the Steps course exemplifies their commitment to holistic dance education, encompassing topics such as equity, psychology, nutrition, and dance medicine. By engaging in this comprehensive program, dancers and educators have the opportunity to explore and integrate their values into their dance practices, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and self-awareness. In collaboration with experts like Ashley Mowrey, Apolla Performance facilitates the journey towards a more mindful and value-driven approach to dance, contributing to the creation of a positive and purposeful dance environment.

*Ashley Mowrey is a former competitive dancer, dance educator, and competition company director. Now as a Mindset Coach, she helps dancers build a healthy mindset so they can shine on and off the stage. Ashley works with dancers through 1-1 virtual coaching as well as studio and team workshops. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Arkansas, is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, a Whole Person Certified Coach and Trauma-Informed Certified Coach, a Certified Positive Psychology Coach, and a trained facilitator in Tara Mohr's Playing Big Coaching Program. Ashley’s a specialist for Doctors for Dancers, and a blog contributor for Apolla Performance. You can also see her on tour with Embody Dance Conference, where she leads Mindset Skills Seminars for all ages, including parents and teachers.

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