Embracing My Journey: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Dance

The Weight of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is one of the heaviest weights an artist can carry. For years, I felt it pressing down on me, especially while living and working in cities like Chennai and New York. In these vibrant places, everyone seems to wear their identity like a badge: “I’m from here, I do this one thing, therefore I matter.”

Then, add Instagram into the mix. Suddenly, you’re swimming in carefully curated snippets that make you question your worth. As a choreographer and teacher, that sense of fraudulence was suffocating. But here’s the truth: I don’t feel it anymore. And I want to share why.

A Shift in Perspective

What changed for me? I started curating, networking, and actually meeting people instead of judging myself against snippets of their lives on Instagram. When you look at people’s full portfolios—resumes, websites, videos, and photos—you see the whole picture. Many artists don’t invest in branding or presence. Their resumes and cover letters often fail to tell a compelling story of why they’re dancing. Costumes and makeup can be messy. Music quality is sometimes low. Mentorship is either absent or irrelevant.

On the flip side, some dancers focus solely on external branding but lack the practice. Others may practice endlessly but never create original work. For a long time, I thought: Oh my god, I’m not sweating my ass off in the studio like them. I must be lazy. But the truth is, apart from training, I started seeing dance in a multidimensional way. That’s when the imposter syndrome lifted.

Redefining My Artistic Journey

I no longer see my artistic journey in terms of flawless performances or picture-perfect reels. Instead, I view it as:

• Networking and community building

• Portfolio creation and residencies that allow me to take risks and fail forward

• Pushing boundaries in fashion, aesthetics, and stage design

• Cross-pollinating with other disciplines such as music, writing, theatre, and fashion

• Zooming out to see myself as a whole artist rather than fragmented into skills and checklists

  
  

I only zoom in when it’s time for technical practice. The rest of the time, I hold myself in a more expansive, wholesome perspective.

The Power of Self-Belief

Here’s the biggest shift I experienced: I’ve started unconditionally believing that I’m a star while remaining curious, humble, and a student of life and my collaborators. Remember, seeing yourself as a star is not self-indulgent. There’s room for countless stars in the sky, just as there is in the Milky Way.

I also made a promise to myself: to remain a full-time artist through both sickness and celebration. That unconditional commitment is proof that I’m in it for the love of the art. As a full-time dancer, I can’t cherry-pick what I want art to give me. I have to ride the waves through every high and low. Acknowledging this commitment has been another cure for my imposter syndrome.

Connecting Beyond the Screen

Meeting people I once only saw on Instagram also helped. In real life, they’re complete human beings, not curated avatars. That reminder has been so healing. I often think about how we all share similar struggles, despite what our social media profiles might suggest.

Celebrating My Journey

I keep a board of my favorite moments—milestones, accomplishments, and little fulfillments—as a reminder of how far I’ve come. It’s a visual testament to my journey, and it fuels my passion.

The Importance of Community

Community is vital in the dance world. It’s not just about individual success; it’s about lifting each other up. I’ve learned that sharing my experiences can resonate with others. When we talk openly about our struggles, we create a space for vulnerability and growth.

The Role of Mentorship

Mentorship has played a significant role in my journey. Finding mentors who believe in me has been transformative. They’ve guided me, challenged me, and helped me see my potential. I encourage everyone to seek out mentors who inspire them. Their wisdom can be invaluable.

Embracing Vulnerability

Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. It’s what connects us as artists. When I share my fears and doubts, I find that others relate. We’re all navigating this complex world together. Embracing vulnerability allows for deeper connections and understanding.

Looking Ahead

As I move forward, I’m excited about what’s to come. I want to continue exploring new avenues in dance and art. I aim to push boundaries and inspire others along the way. My journey is far from over; it’s just beginning.

This is a small post, but I felt it was an important one to share.

From the Montana Folk Festival July 2025