25 life lessons I learned from ballet - #11
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
11. Coordination is so important! Dancing is teamwork and coordination. You cannot dance without coordination of every part of your body – just as you cannot accomplish much if your team doesn’t have coordinated efforts.
Top photo: Dancing as a soloist for the prestigious Kirov Ballet taught prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde the importance of teamwork. Performing in Don Quixote in this photo from 1986, there were many scenes when over 30 dancers would be on stage at a time with everyone moving in unison with a singular purpose. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives collection