25 life lessons I learned from ballet - #4
Beyond the arabesques and grand jetés, ballet is an abundant source of priceless life lessons. With the rigorous training and intense discipline it requires, ballet can teach one how to deal with pressure, disappointments, challenges, and ultimately, success. On her 25th anniversary as a professional dancer in 2009, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde took the time to list down 25 key lessons she learned from ballet and which she felt both dancers and non-dancers can apply in their own lives. This series shares those enduring nuggets of wisdom – one lesson at a time.
By Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
4. Family support is essential! Had I not had the full support of my family – most especially my parents Cesar and Susan Macuja – I would never have achieved my dream. Every dreamer needs a cheering squad and your family is the best cheering squad around.
Top photo: Basking in the company of her parents, Cesar and Susan Macuja, and mentors Sergei Vikulov and Tatiana Udalenkova, Lisa Macuja enjoyed a strong support system that allowed her to power through the many challenges of learning ballet in Russia. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives collection