Defining lines.

Jilissa is putting together the steps for the winter showcase.
In doing so, she's taking every chance to sharpen us and point out things we need to improve.

Today she spoke on the details. The "make it or break it"s. The things that are the difference between leaving the audience amazed or leaving them cringing.
She told us that as we watch ourselves in the mirror, we shouldn't be watching the things we do well. Instead, we should be watching and examining our flaws.
If all you're doing is seeing what you do right, you'll never fix what is wrong. You'll never notice it. Knowing is half the battle.
She had us redo the combination. She said, "I don't care if your leg doesn't get as high or your jumps aren't as big. I want to see you focus on what you need to improve. That improvement will make up for everything else."

It stuck out to me.
Like our lives.
If all we do is focus on and take pride in the things we do right, we won't have much chance of improving.
What we tend to do is ignore our flaws, our mistakes, the things we aren't too proud of. We sweep it under the rug and try to carry on this flawless dance. But that's not how it works.
You can have perfect technique, but if your arms aren't right, the audience will know.
You can live your whole life with "perfect technique" but when it comes to the "show" if one thing is flawed, eventually it'll be found out.
Instead, face your flaws head on. Address them. Work on them. If you work on them, then you'll improve. Sure, it'll take time, but it's worth it.
It's what sets you apart, what defines your level. what can take you from Beginner to Intermediate or Intermediate to Advanced.
Take the time now to look at your flaws head on. you may cringe, but make the effort and you will see that your dance will be a beautiful one.