Recently, I was a part of a Collegiate Coaches meeting and the topic of conversation was Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset. I had heard of this before, but never really thought in depth about how a difference in “mindset” and the way students are coached can be such a game changer in their experience with dance. Here’s what was explained….
“In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success.”
“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” - Carol Dweck
Pretty simple facts and I totally agreed. I immediately thought of successful dancers I know and have worked with who have obviously had a growth mindset (based off of their work ethic and growth), but I really wanted to see for myself how we as teachers and coaches help in creating a growth mindset.
I then tried it out using my own little girl as the guinea pig. We worked on cartwheels and I said “Great job, you are good at cartwheels - you’re a natural at tumbling”. Her response, a big smile a sense of accomplishment and then she was over it- ran off to play bc in her mind her cartwheel was good enough and she was satisfied. WOW, I just contributed to my child developing a fixed mindset (UH-OH) by praising her ability at that moment (don’t panic we can fix this) . The next day, we practiced and my feedback to her was “your cartwheel is looking great, I am so impressed with how hard you are working today.” Her response, a big smile and then she stayed in the front yard an additional 10 minutes practicing bc she too was proud of her hard work and that gave her a feeling of accomplishment. Crazy how the charts and scientific finding from that seminar on Dr. Dwecks study were proven to me over something as simple as a toddler and her cartwheel.
So, how do we apply this at TDC?
Our mission is to grow each student that we teach by instilling the value of hard work, and giving the students praise on their effort shown. I have heard many times the past 10 years Mrs. Melissa say, “Great work, you almost have it” and “keep working I see so much progress”. This encourages the student to continue working and they receive praise and constructive criticism at the same time. No, the skill isn’t mastered yet, but keep working thats where the magic happens. In the midst of accompanying God given gifts (which are different for each dancer) with hard work- that is where success is found. We focus on the details and the work that is needed to grow amazing dancers, and in return we see it trickle into all aspects of dancers lives. Most students are great at time management, academic work, and following through with commitments due to the work ethic developed by dance.
In conclusion, we are challenging ourselves, our students, and our parents of dancers to have a GROWTH mindset this season. Go after what sets your soul on fire and work hard until you achieve those goals. Nothing is fixed :)
Xoxo,
M&M