Leader vs. Follower: Why Both Roles Matter (and How Dancers Grow Into the Spotlight)

The truth: every dancer plays both roles

In dance (and in life), we love the idea of being “the leader.” The one in front. The one who gets the featured part. The one everyone watches.

But real growth doesn’t come from always leading. It comes from learning how to lead and how to follow well—because both roles are equally important.

For dancers, this is a confidence lesson. For parents, it’s a perspective shift: leadership isn’t a permanent title, and following isn’t a lesser role. They’re both skills. And the best dancers build both.

Following isn’t weakness—it’s trust and discipline

“Follower” can sound like you’re behind. But in dance, following is often the most disciplined thing you can do.

Following means you can: - Listen and apply corrections quickly - Match timing, spacing, and energy - Respect the choreography and the team - Stay focused even when you’re not the one being watched - Support the dancers around you instead of competing against them

For dancers: following is how you learn.

For parents: following is a sign of maturity—your child is building coachability, teamwork, and trust.

Leading isn’t spotlight—it’s responsibility

Leadership is not just being in front. It’s being reliable.

A real leader: - Sets the tone in the room - Works hard even when no one is clapping -

Encourages others instead of tearing them down - Takes feedback without getting defensive - Shows up prepared and consistent

For dancers: leadership is something you practice before you ever get a featured moment.

For parents: leadership is often visible in the little things—how your child handles corrections, treats teammates, and responds when things don’t go their way.

“It’s not my turn yet” can be a powerful season

There are moments when a dancer feels like they should be featured.

They’ve been dancing a long time. They’re older. They’ve put in years.

And still… someone else gets the front line. Someone else gets the special part.

That can sting.

But “not your turn yet” doesn’t mean “never.” It means you’re in a development season.

This is where strong dancers separate themselves: - They don’t quit. - They don’t get bitter. -

They don’t stop trying because they didn’t get what they wanted.

They keep developing.

Because the spotlight should never be something we expect just because of age or years

danced. The spotlight is something we earn through skill, growth, consistency, and character.

Competitive mindset: earn it, don’t assume it

A healthy competitive mindset doesn’t mean stepping on others. It doesn’t mean being rude. It doesn’t mean thinking you’re better.

A healthy competitive mindset means: - You want to improve - You’re willing to work for it - You take feedback seriously - You practice the hard parts again and again - You don’t rely on excuses

It means you understand a simple truth:

If you want to advance, you have to build the skills to advance.

Not just the years. Not just the age. Not just “I’ve been here longer.”

Skills. Consistency. Effort. Coachability.

For dancers: your job is to keep leveling up.

For parents: the best support is helping your child focus on controllables—practice habits, attitude, resilience, and effort.

Character matters just as much as talent

You can be incredibly talented and still not be ready.

Because being a strong dancer is more than technique.

It’s also: - How you treat people - How you handle disappointment - How you respond when someone else wins - How you act when you’re not being watched

You can pursue excellence and be a good person.

You can want more, aim higher, and work hard—while still being kind, supportive, and respectful.

That’s the kind of dancer who becomes a leader people actually want to follow.

The goal: be someone who can lead and follow

The dancers who go the farthest aren’t the ones who demand the spotlight.

They’re the ones who keep evolving.

They learn how to: - Lead when it’s their turn - Follow with excellence when it’s not - Trust the process - Keep building their skills - Keep building their character

Because dance is a journey of growth.

Sometimes you’re the example. Sometimes you’re the student. Sometimes you’re in front.

Sometimes you’re in the back.

And all of it matters.

A reminder for every dancer (and every parent)

If you’re in a season where you feel overlooked, remember:

You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

Keep showing up. Keep practicing. Keep listening. Keep learning.

Your turn will come—and when it does, you won’t just be ready to be seen.

You’ll be ready to lead.