We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yu-Chen (Jamie) Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yu-Chen (Jamie), we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Firstly, there’s self-awareness and acceptance. No one is born perfect; we have to accept and understand our shortcomings while showcasing our positive traits. For instance, I know I struggle with turns, so when I see others executing multiple pirouettes (especially in competition), I remind myself to stay calm. I acknowledge my long limbs and good coordination in adage, which others might not have, and I avoid getting overwhelmed.
Next is positive affirmations and self-talk, especially before performances or competitions. I remind myself that I’ve prepared well, urging myself not to be nervous or regret later, and affirming that I can handle it. This self-talk before important events significantly helps calm my nerves.
Lastly, overcoming challenges has been crucial in building my self-confidence. I’ve faced countless challenges—from mastering pirouettes in the studio to deciding on colleges, relocating from California to New York, struggling with choreography for my students, and navigating the process of renewing my work visa…etc. Each time I tackle a challenge, whether short-term or long-term, I feel my self-confidence grow. Despite the many challenges that come my way daily, solving each one makes me proud and reinforces my belief in my ability to handle them. This continuous process has been instrumental in building my self-confidence.
In conclusion, developing self-confidence has been a journey shaped by self-awareness, positive affirmations, and overcoming challenges. Each experience has contributed to my growth and belief in myself. I am grateful for the support of my family and the opportunities that have allowed me to strengthen my confidence. I look forward to continuing this journey with optimism and resilience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I was born and raised in Taiwan and currently serve as a faculty member at the American Youth Dance Theatre, along with being a Teaching Artist affiliated with the American Ballet Theatre. My journey in dance began at the age of 8, and it took a significant turn when I was 16 during the Taiwan Grand Prix ballet competition. This pivotal event led to me receiving a full-time scholarship to the Harid Conservatory in Florida. After my training with the Harid Conservatory, I applied and was accepted to University of Arizona School of Dance as a dance major. However, a challenging moment occurred during a performance audition for a principal role when I fractured my metatarsal due to eagerness to excel. Despite this setback, I persevered and, after a six-month recovery period, continued my training as a trainee at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. Following a year of intensive ballet training, I felt physically and mentally prepared to resume my academic journey.
I transferred to the University of California, Irvine, majoring in dance as a sophomore and successfully graduated in fall 2021. My time at Irvine coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated remote learning for part of my junior year. However, this period also allowed me the opportunity to return to Taiwan and join the professional ballet company, Taiwan Ballet Company, as a lead dancer. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I performed in various venues at a time when many countries were closing theaters.
During this period, I observed significant improvements in ballet education in Taiwan. Motivated by this progress, I decided to focus on dance education, leading me to pursue a Master’s degree in Dance Education with an emphasis in American Ballet Theatre Pedagogy from New York University (NYU). This journey has not only shaped my career but also fueled my passion for teaching and contributing to the development of dance education, particularly in Taiwan.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges has been crucial. In the face of injuries, rejections, or difficult times, resilience helped me stay determined and focused on my goals. – Advice: Embrace failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Learn from them, adapt your approach, and keep moving forward with determination.
2. Continuous Learning: Constantly seeking knowledge, skills, and feedback has been instrumental in my development. Whether it’s refining dance techniques, learning about new teaching methodologies, or understanding industry trends, continuous learning has helped me stay relevant and improve my craft.
– Advice: Never stop learning. Attend workshops, take classes, read books/articles, seek mentorship, and stay curious about your field. Every bit of knowledge and skill gained contributes to your growth.
3. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether it’s shifts in the industry, technological advancements, or unexpected challenges (like the COVID-19 pandemic), has been essential. Being adaptable allowed me to navigate uncertainties and make necessary adjustments to succeed.
– Advice: Cultivate adaptability by being open-minded, flexible, and proactive. Embrace change as an opportunity to innovate and evolve. Develop problem-solving skills and be willing to step out of your comfort zone to adapt to new situations.
For those early in their journey:
– Set Clear Goals: Define your long-term and short-term goals. Having clear goals gives you direction and motivation to work towards.
– Seek Feedback: Be open to feedback from mentors, peers, and instructors. Constructive feedback helps you identify areas for improvement and grow professionally.
– Network: Build relationships within your industry. Networking opens up opportunities, provides mentorship, and allows you to learn from others’ experiences.
– Stay Persistent: Persistence is key to success. Don’t get discouraged by challenges or setbacks. Keep pushing forward with determination and resilience.
– Stay Curious: Be curious and eager to learn. Explore different aspects of your field, attend workshops, read widely, and stay updated with industry trends.
– Embrace Adaptability: Be flexible and adaptable to change. The ability to adapt will help you navigate uncertainties and thrive in dynamic environments.
– Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize self-care, physical health, and mental well-being. A healthy body and mind contribute to your overall success and resilience.
By focusing on these qualities and following these pieces of advice, individuals early in their journey can develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed and thrive in their chosen field.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Many people in my life have played a significant role in helping me overcome challenges and develop essential skills, qualities, and knowledge. However, I must acknowledge that my parents have been incredibly supportive and instrumental in this journey. Their unwavering encouragement, guidance, and belief in me have been a constant source of strength throughout my journey. From instilling resilience and a strong work ethic to providing opportunities for continuous learning and growth, they have played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. I am deeply grateful for their love, support, and invaluable contributions to my development.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: jjamie._.ycc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamie.wagor?locale=zh_TW
