25 Life Lessons I learned from Ballet - #22
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.
22. Discipline matters. No matter how long the standing ovation was the night before, a ballerina’s day begins with ballet class – exercises that you do your whole life. Maintaining your form means working daily on the basics. No room for complacency. You stop, you lose it.
Top photo: As a student at the Leningrad Choreographic School, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde learned at a young age that the road to excellence begins even before class starts. It is that discipline to arrive early, prepare the body for the physical exertions ahead, attend class with complete focus, and cool down properly in the end every single day for the duration of one’s professional career that will spell the difference between success and failure. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives
Discipline continues to be among the core values that Lisa Macuja-Elizalde instills in her students. As a teacher and coach, this remains the most important lesson that she imparts, regardless of whether her wards choose to pursue a career in dance or any other field. Photo by Maria Aniceta Barroso
