Dealing with Haters

April 9, 2017

How do I deal with a jealous clique of dancers who resent my success at competitions and talk behind my back? The negativity takes away my joy of dancing.

—J.C., New York, NY

Insecurity often brings out the worst in people, especially if they feel less accomplished than you. But no one can rob you of your joy of dance unless you choose to give that person the power to do so. My advice is to ignore the negative vibes. You can be courteous, but keep the focus on what’s most important—your work! Newcomers who look up to you, or more established dancers who are not competing for the same roles, may be more open to friendship. It’s also useful to have a life outside of dance with a different group of people and other interests to create a better work/life balance.

Send your questions to Dr. Linda Hamilton at [email protected].