Lauren Herfindahl is one of those dancer’s who you’re impressed by even before you see her dance. Her professional career started at a very young age, which can be super stressful, but she is doing amazingly well.
She took part in the first round of The Whole Dancer Program in September of 2015 and when I got to speak with her one – on – one during the program, I was taken by her humility and pure loveliness.
Lauren dances full time with Boston Ballet and takes college courses, so there is clearly a lot on her plate. I wondered if she would be able to add The Whole Dancer Program to that mix AND get results.
So when I received an email from her on Saturday in response to “The trouble with casting”, I was thrilled. She wrote:
“The topic of this email and worksheet really hit home with me and is the perfect thing to help me start 2016 in a positive mindset!!
I am looking forward to completing the worksheet to help calm the anxieties that have arisen in my subconscious mind during my layoff after Nutcracker.
I find myself worrying about not getting cast in any good roles when we return from break, when in reality I shouldn’t be so worried!
2015 was an important year for me, because I feel I was able to find confidence in myself and my dancing not only when things were going well, but also when I wasn’t cast in a good role or I wasn’t getting any attention from the artistic staff…
I think this change in my thinking and confidence was improved in part by my participation in The Whole Dancer Program. I didn’t fully realize it until now, so I wanted to make sure I reached out to you to thank you!”
I asked Lauren if I could share her message with you all because I know how deeply dancers internalize the disappointment and self – criticism that often arises when that casting sheet goes up or a rejection email arrives or you just have a really bad day.
Lauren was excited to share her message and said, “I hope it helps someone decide to sign up for the program!”
Finding the confidence in yourself and your dancing each and every day takes some work. The Whole Dancer Program is designed to help you prioritize that work.
If you’re inspired by Lauren’s message, don’t delay, it’s time to sign up!