Three Things Dance Taught Me: Hannah Kirby
"Three Things Dance Taught Me," is a blog series dedicated to exploring the profound impact of dance. In this series, we'll hear from a diverse range of voices, each sharing three invaluable lessons they've learned through their dance journey.
Three Things Dance Taught Me: Hannah Kirby
Hannah Kirby is a dedicated and passionate Dance Instructor at Lynn Panting Dance, where she has been teaching since 2021. A graduate of the MAX Dance Academy Program and the MAX Dance Teacher Training programs, Hannah received her dance training from both MAX Dance and Lynn Panting Dance. Hannah’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering a positive learning environment where students of all backgrounds can thrive, and she is driven by her passion for inspiring others to be the best version of themselves. When she's not in the studio, Hannah works full-time as a Medical Aesthetician and enjoys adventuring with friends.
Dance has taught me so many valuable lessons. Trying to choose just three things to write about was difficult, but I have decided on some of the lessons that are most important to me.
1. Consistency
Whenever I try something new, I am often hard on myself if I don't nail it right away. Dance has taught me that it's okay to try something new, whether it's a new move, a trick, or a combo, and not perfect it after just one attempt. It can take a lot of time, effort, and practice to feel comfortable and confident in a new skill, both in and out of dance. I remind myself of this quite often when trying something new.
Consistency is key! It is impossible to be good at everything without putting in the work, and that is okay! The only way to grow and learn is by making mistakes and figuring out new ways to do things. Consistency is how we better ourselves in the dance world, and in the ‘real’ world.
2. Communication
Dance has taught me how to communicate with others non-verbally. By being able to communicate through body language, we are able to ‘speak’ to our fellow dancers through movement and energy instead of words.
It is important to know what the other dancers around you are thinking and feeling, so you can build off their energy in performances and dance as a coherent unit. It is also important when performing lifts or partner work that dancers can communicate with each other silently in case something needs to change in a split second.
This type of communication works both ways. Being able to communicate your own energy and needs is just as important as being able to read someone else’s.
3. Be kind. Show up. Do the Thing.
If dance has taught me nothing else, it has taught me that showing up with a positive attitude and ‘doing the thing’ is vital.
We dance because we love to dance, not because we have to. So showing up to class ready to work hard and learn something new is what it's all about. Showing respect and kindness to your classmates, teachers, students, and peers creates a positive environment to learn in.
Vibes are contagious, so coming to class with this mindset makes a better experience for everyone. Encouraging those around you, coming to class consistently, keeping things light-hearted and fun, and putting in the work is what makes for a great day of dancing.
