Teacher Guide

Acknowledge their feelings

Dancers are often told to push through pain, or to ignore it, or that they’re being dramatic. If they tell you they are in pain, it probably means that the pain has become anywhere from a daily nuisance no longer ignorable to unbearable. Try drawing on your own experiences to empathize with them and recognize that they are trying to tell you something that they may feel nervous to tell you.

Reach out

Ask them what they need, what support you can provide, and how. It is important that you do not dismiss their pain or compare your experiences. Everyone’s experience with injury is different, and everyone reacts in different ways. Especially if they are young, to them, you are the authority on what to do and what not to do. They will look to you for guidance.

It is also important that in reaching out, you are listening. Everyone reacts differently to injury, trauma, and even to offers of help–especially dancers. Above all, make sure that you are helping and not hurting. Recognize when they might not want help.

Offer resources

Particularly if it is their first injury, they may not understand the associated emotions or how to manage them. By giving them that understanding they may have an easier time managing their mental health. If necessary, refer them to medical or mental health professionals.

Sometimes the best way to help is to give someone a place to start. That's what The Green Room is for. Dancers are independent and self-motivated, but a little push in the right direction never hurts. Offer them an article, a contact, or even just a conversation.

Include them

Injury is isolating. In a field where you often push yourself to fit a physical expectation, being no longer able to achieve that expectation can bring up feelings of worthlessness and loneliness. A dancer is often seen as only as useful and employable as they are physically able, but this is untrue.

A dancer’s value goes beyond their physical body. Even if someone is unable to dance, there are auxiliary ways to ensure that they still feel a part of the community and utilize their other creative skills. Ask them to help run a rehearsal, or give creative input.

Check-in regularly

Recovery is a non-linear process. Setbacks can feel discouraging and hopeless. Dancers are trained to not show pain or discomfort, which can cross over into other areas of their communication styles. Because dance is often an internalized practice they may internalize their recovery process so regular check-ins are important.

Contribute

Do you have a personal experience with injury or advice that you would like to share? Have a question you would like answered? The Green Room is built on the insights and feedback from dance community members and strives to constantly update our recovery guides and FAQ pages. Leave a line below to let us know a piece of advice that you would like to see added or what question you would like to see answered.

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