For Young Dancers Up to 10 Years
Option 1
Say: "You looked like you were having so much fun!"
Benefit: This comment encourages joy and positive association with performing.
Avoid: "Why didn’t you smile more?"
Reason: This comment can make the child feel criticized and self-conscious about their natural expression.
Option 2
Say: "I'm so proud of how brave you were up there!"
Benefit: This comment builds self-confidence and reinforces courage.
Avoid: "You seemed a bit scared."
Reason: This comment focuses on fear and can undermine their sense of bravery.
Option 3
Say: "I love seeing you dance!"
Benefit: This comment shows unconditional support and fosters a sense of being valued.
Avoid: "I wonder if one day you can dance like [another dancer their age]."
Reason: This comment naturally gravitates towards comparison. Comparing can lower self-esteem and create unnecessary pressure.
Option 4
Say: "You’ve been practicing so hard, and it shows!"
Benefit: This comment acknowledges effort and hard work, promoting a growth mindset.
Avoid: "You probably need to make sure you don't miss anymore classes next year."
Reason: This comment emphasizes deficiency and can be discouraging.
Option 5
Say: "You brought so much energy to the stage!"
Benefit: This comment validates their enthusiasm and effort, boosting self-esteem.
Avoid: "You were a little too wild out there!"
Reason: This comment can make them feel like their natural energy is a problem.
For Dancers Ages 11 to 18
Option 1
Say: "You really connected with the music; it was beautiful to watch!"
Benefit: This comment reinforces their artistic expression and emotional engagement.
Avoid: "You need to feel the music more."
Reason: This comment implies they lacked emotional connection, which can be disheartening.
Option 2
Say: "Your hard work and dedication are truly paying off."
Benefit: This comment validates their commitment and effort, encouraging perseverance.
Avoid: "Why weren’t you in the front row?"
Reason: This comment implies that their value is less if they are not in a lead position, which can be demoralizing.
Option 3
Say: "Your performance was so powerful and inspiring!"
Benefit: This comment boosts self-esteem by recognizing the impact of their performance.
Avoid: "It was good, but did you see [another dancer], they were amazing!"
Reason: This comment can bring about a feeling of comparison. Comparisons can diminish their self-worth and create unnecessary competition.
Option 4
Say: "You’ve grown so much as a dancer; it’s amazing to see!"
Benefit: This comment highlights their progress and development, promoting a sense of achievement.
Avoid: "If you put in more time and practice harder, then you can be as good as [another dancer]."
Reason: Comparing their growth to anyone but themselves can be demoralizing.
Option 5
Say: "You handled that challenging routine with such grace!"
Benefit: This comment acknowledges their skill and ability to overcome difficulties, fostering resilience.
Avoid: "You could've done better if you slept more last night."
Reason: This comment suggests that they didn’t do great and put in enough effort, which can be demotivating and hurtful.
