REFLECT
Learning to think and talk with others about one’s work and the process of making it. Learning to judge one’s own and others’ work and processes in relation to the standards of the field. Learning to think and talk with others about your work. Learning to evaluate your work as well as the work of others. Think deeply and carefully. Ponder, meditate.
Professional Ballerina, Danielle Tomey, discusses the hard work it takes to be a dancer and how reflection is a large part of what makes her a better performer. Tomey actively watches videos of other dancers so she can visualize her own success on stage. She uses the Studio Habit of Mind, Reflect, to be aware of her own body so that she can adjust to any challenge that comes her way.
REFLECTION PROMPTS
BIO: DANIELLE TOLMIE
Danielle is originally from Connecticut where she received her training at Connecticut Dance School. She attended various summer programs including Boston Ballet and The Washington School of Ballet. Danielle graduated from the University of Utah with a BFA in Ballet Performance and a BS in Business Management. She joined the Eugene Ballet Company in 2008. In the 2014–2015 season Danielle premiered the role as the stepsister Brizetta in Toni Pimble’s Cinderella, and was featured as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and as the title role in Carmen. Danielle was recently promoted to Principal Dancer for the 2015–2016 season.
“There are many people out there who are going to tell you, ‘no’ or that ‘you’re not good enough’. Remember, YOU ARE good enough! Never let them bring you down! If anything, use these negatives to push yourself! Hard work and perseverance pays off and you can do anything you set your mind to. Good things will come so never give up!”