In my 20s, I danced for a dance group called Imram in Vancouver Canada. At the same time, I was pursuing a career in television. I almost had a TV series I had created picked up by a National Canadian Television Network, which was exciting. It focused on people in various fields who showed promise and were becoming noticed for their skill, knowledge, and talents. I had always loved dancing, so I continued my dance classes in contemporary, jazz, and ballet. I loved it. It kept me sane, fit, and happy. However, I didn’t pursue a career in dance.

Now that I have a wonderful health and wellness practice, I still make time for my dancing and physical fitness. I’m lucky to have great studios and gyms in close proximity to where I live. On a daily basis, I make the effort to do some sort of movement, so I feel in tune with my body and my spirit.

When I first started dancing many years ago, I didn’t pay much attention to how profound the lessons were. However, I’ve come to realize they can teach us a lot about life, our spirit, and our wellbeing. Here are seven lessons we can all learn from.

1. Hang around people who you want to be like.
   Dancers are beautiful no doubt about it. They are so fit and so “into their bodies” that they almost seem to float whenever they walk. They enter a room full of grace and poise. It’s easy to be swept away in their “lightness of being.” Dance is usually in their blood—they love it. As you can certainly see when witnessing the popular TV shows “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing With the Stars.” Sure, they could just commit to an exercise regimen; however, they would rather use their bodies in an artistic way.

   So hang around people you want to be like, whether they are at the fitness, wellness, career, or spiritual level you want to be at. You’ll have a better chance of being inspired by those you surround yourself with. It’s motivating and uplifting—that’s for sure.

   Who are YOU hanging around? (Think about it.)

2. Consistency is the key for long-term success.
   Dancers know that a beautifully fit body is built over time. And even if they take some time off, they’ll bounce back quickly because of all the training they’ve done over the years. It’s called “muscle memory.” Your body remembers your shape and can easily “snap back” into place.

   In the same way, you can bounce back as well. That is, as long as you stay connected to your gym, your health coach, or your healthy eating plan on a regular basis. It’ll help you remember who you are and what you need, even if you take a break.

3. Ups and downs are a part of the process.
   Dancers always know that success comes in cycles. It’s physically damaging for them to try to be on stage at all times. They know their limits. They push themselves sure enough; however, they know when to stop before they break down—well, usually. There are times, I’ve experienced this myself, when injuries or accidents do happen. If you are fit and healthy, the recuperation period usually takes less time.

   Your health and wellness programs often go in cycles as well. You can be focused on it for a while, then ease back for a bit. Don’t worry when there’s an “off track period” like holidays, vacations, and birthdays. Just make sure you get back on track immediately after or you might stay of track longer than is best for you, requiring a lot more effort later on. Get back on your healthy eating, exercising, and mindset schedule. You may want to mix up your exercise and some of your regular foods a little, so your body and mind don’t get bored.

4. Hard work is part of the game.
   Dancers don’t wake up and say, “I don’t feel like practicing today.” They just do it, especially if they are professionals or have aspirations of becoming professional someday. It becomes part of their schedule and part of their lives, the very essence of the fabric of their daily lives. Their commitment to their goal ensures success.

   How many of you secretly wish your success would be handed to you on a silver platter? I’m all about ease and simplicity; however, we need to realize there’s some work involved. The solution is to make the hard work pay off and be fun. By doing what you love to do and taking good care of yourself by taking time off, getting help, eating smart, and exercising regularly, it will give you the energy and stamina you need, making you feel rewarded and full of life.

5. Model others who are already doing what you want to do.
   Dancers don’t try to invent their dances from scratch, unless they are also choreographers. They look at and study what the top dancers are doing. Dancers who are performing exquisitely and training regularly are the ones aspiring dancers are copying. By doing this, they start to develop a precise formula for their own success, talent, and skill. Often, but certainly not always, they are usually eating the right diet, which fuels their bodies properly, getting the right amount of sleep, and studying with the best teacher available. They are committed to their art.

   Please don’t reinvent the wheel when there are others who know how to get you where you want to go with your health, wellness, and/or weight loss. Find an expert who can help you accomplish your health, wellness, and life goals. Model them as well. Don’t model others who are not committed to their overall health and wellbeing. Model those who you want to emulate, the ones who are experiencing the immense health, radiance, energy, stamina, shape, and success you dream of!

6. Find a mentor or coach for faster results.
   I don’t know of any dancer who got to where he or she is all alone—it’s impossible. Most dancers dance in a group or company. If they are just dancing for the pure pleasure of dance, they take classes in groups and with a teacher. Every dancer trains with teachers and takes many dance classes. A good teacher or mentor will understand them, their desires, their strengths and weaknesses, and their dreams. Someone who will be with them every step of the way while they get better and better. Does this cost them a lot of time, energy and money? Yes, usually. However, they don’t look at what it costs. They look at what it’s worth. They’re fast forwarding their success and abilities, and that is priceless.

   I know many people who have wasted thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to lose weight and end up putting it back on. They never really learn how to eat well to nourish and develop life long skills, and abilities to eat smart and healthy—long term—and to look at some of the issues that causes this. Don’t make that mistake. I’ve also been there. Stop struggling. First invest in yourself and work with someone who’ll show you the best way, maybe for the first and hopefully last time. As a very happy client of mine once said, “It’s only expensive if it doesn’t work, but Monika’s programs work.”

7. Show off what you’ve got!
   You can be sure the dancers aren’t meek about their hard work, fit bodies, and their artistic abilities and accomplishments. They show off their hard work with beauty and grace in their performance and in their everyday life. They usually look fantastic and move with such ease. They feel so comfortable in their own skins. They are proud of their accomplishments and their assets as well.

   Even if you don’t have it all (yet), show off what you DO have. Strut your best stuff and speak positively about your journey and your life. Be proud of who you are and no apologies please. Feel powerful and strong in your success. Whatever those successes are—big or small—we’ll praise them all.

   Dance into wellness…

(c) Monika Klein, B.S., C.N. is an award winning clinical nutritionist and weight loss expert. Monika is the “Compassionate and Practical Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach.” Her company, Coaching For Health, offers life transforming weight loss and wellness programs, classes and products throughout the world. To learn more about Monika’s services and programs, visit www.coachingforhealth.com.