Trusting the Process: What Dance Teaches Us About Growth

A dancer captured mid-leap, showcasing grace and strength in a stunning outdoor setting. Photo Credit: Movement In Motion Photography

As parents, it’s only natural to want our children to feel happy and successful in their activities. But when it comes to growth—especially in dance—those feelings don’t always come immediately. Sometimes, progress looks like taking a step back to move forward. And sometimes, success is disguised as struggle.

At LoMastro, every placement, correction, and challenge we present to dancers is made with great care. Our faculty are trained professionals who evaluate not just what a dancer can do today, but what they need to grow safely and successfully for the long term. That can mean reviewing foundational skills or being placed in a class that builds strength before introducing more advanced content.

For a dancer, these decisions can be hard to understand in the moment. A student may feel disappointed if they don’t move up as quickly as they expected—or frustrated when asked to repeat something they thought they’d already mastered. That’s normal. But those very moments are where some of the most meaningful growth happens.

When a young dancer is supported through that discomfort—when they are encouraged to stick with it, stay curious, and keep showing up—they gain far more than dance technique. They develop resilience. Humility. Work ethic. And the invaluable ability to trust the process.

As adults, we have an important role to play in these moments. When we model patience and respect for the journey, we’re teaching our dancers to value growth over shortcuts and to see feedback as a tool, not a punishment. On the other hand, when we question, reject, or attempt to bypass decisions made to support their development, we risk sending a different message—that feelings should always override expertise, or that skipping steps is acceptable if the process feels uncomfortable.

Dance isn’t just about movement—it’s about building character. We want our students to leave the studio not only as stronger dancers, but as stronger people.

If you're curious about how advancement through our curriculum works, we invite you to visit lomastro.com/journey. There, you'll find insights into level progression, student development milestones, and how we support each dancer’s unique path.

So thank you, truly, for trusting us. For standing beside your dancer through the hard days as well as the great ones. And for helping them discover that growth, while not always easy, is always worth it.