The Hidden Gift Inside Disappointment
disappointment
noun – sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfilment of one’s hopes or expectations
As we wrap up another big year at Dance Habit, we’ve been reflecting on the quieter gifts dance gives our students. The ones that reach far beyond the steps and the stage. Front and centre – disappointment.
As humans, we all experience disappointment in life. While no one wishes for it, it’s actually one of our most powerful teachers.
In dance, disappointment might look like:
Not securing your favourite class(es) for next year.
Being told you’re not ready for an extension class or crew.
Not getting the green light for Pointe shoes before the year is out.
Receiving exam results that didn’t meet your expectations.
Not securing a perfect individual stage photo.
Being unable to do the concert due to a clash with our compulsory dress rehearsal.
Having to decide between dance and another activity due to timetable clashes.
Feeling your progress is slower than friends.
When we practise flexing our disappointment muscle, we’re not just getting better at handling tough moments - we’re building lifelong skills in:
Flexible thinking - recognising that even when things don’t go as planned, we still have choices and pathways forward.
Grit - discovering that we can sit with discomfort, survive it, and grow stronger through it.
Self-compassion - staying curious about our big emotions instead of judging them, which helps us understand what we truly need in those moments.
Clarity - once we understand what we need, we’re better equipped to communicate it calmly and confidently.
Compassion for others - because when we reach acceptance we can share our disappointment in healthy, respectful ways that strengthen relationships rather than strain them.
Not every outcome can be changed and there are many things we can’t control. But disappointment isn’t a sign of failure, nor the end of the road – it’s a meaningful reminder that we care deeply. Learning to move through disappointment with grace, curiosity, and openness - is one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves and our children.
The way we model matters
Children are always watching how we respond to the unexpected. The way we navigate our disappointments as adults quietly shapes how they learn to navigate their own.
In the studio, when we offer feedback, we do it gently and constructively - always with the dancer’s growth in mind. And we deeply appreciate when that same spirit comes back our way. It creates a culture where trust grows and everyone feels safe, even when conversations are tricky or outcomes land differently than hoped.
Our own modelling is a quiet act of leadership. A gift we give our kids by showing them that emotions are ours to own, not something to immediately project onto others when they’re difficult or uncomfortable. The ongoing practice of flexing our disappointment muscle helps us to pause, breathe, feel, and then consciously choose how to move forward, including knowing when we need support from others to get there.
As we exchange gifts, celebrate milestones, and look toward a new year, we hope our dancers (and the adults who love them) can see the value of these quiet gifts too. The ones wrapped in challenge but filled with opportunity to build growth and resilience.
Wishing all our families a restful and joyful Christmas season.
We are so honoured to share this journey with you.
If you’re interested in enrolling in our 2026 classes, we invite you to get in touch!
