G has made a career as a professional dancer, creative director, and performance coach for and with some of your favorite celebrities; Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Rihanna, Gaga, Meg Thee Stallion, Alicia Keyes , Che’Nelle and more. Between projects he continues to be a dancer instructor and mentor for the industries premier studios, dance companies and pro dancers, local and international.
Encouragement in a Pandemic
Train Your Mind First
By G Madison IV
From the August 2020 Issue.
Read the rest of the issue here.
There’s something so powerful and rewarding about strengthening one’s mindset in preparation of a career in the American dance community. While most trainers go straight for movement and performance, the mind is the first thing I start to train when I begin developing an artist. As we build on skill, consistency, creative integrity and work ethic we also strengthen our mindsets. The mindset is what lasts. I’ve seen it carry performers safely through extensive careers in performance, and if there is a form of success in this business, it’s longevity.
Invest in how you see things. Your talent was a gift to you, but your intentions and your purpose are exercised through your choice to do right by the gifts you have. I’d even go so far to say that mindset is an extension of your gifts. A person with all the talent in the world and no personal purpose can only go so far. Without a determined mindset, only the capabilities of your body in light of the current trends of society and the industry will dictate whether you succeed.
This is so even during this COVID-19 pandemic and all the challenges of quarantine, social distancing, and lack of jobs. I’m sure you have as many questions as I do: When will the quarantine be over? Will concerts and live shows be back soon? What will life be like after all of this? Is all my training useless now? I am convinced that the answer is to build your own momentum and learn how to keep yourself inspired and motivated.
The motto “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” finds its truth in times like these. Leaders are inspired by everything they come in contact with, but they are still self-motivated. During this very challenging time, it’s important to not only continue training to remain fit, flexible, and agile physically, but also to keep your mind fit, flexible, and agile.
With so much unknown, you must take control of what you do and why you do it. This mindset will not only help you find more frequent gigs, but ultimately realize and manifest a career... and be happy throughout it.