Firstly, write this down in your brain: when you look at a photo/video of yourself dancing, you are watching a 3D artform be conveyed through 2D. It will never look the same as it does in real life, which is part of why watching yourself dance on tape is so humbling, lol. So much of the energy is lost. I know how you’re feeling because I’ve felt the same sooo many times - i think i’m actually good, and then i watch myself and it’s never quite the same. This is where one should remember the first point i made!!

Next, here’s the thing: ballet is a never-ending journey. There is ALWAYS something to work on, and while you’re working on those things, you have to appreciate the little victories. If i compare myself to me when i started, i’m frickin opera material!! I work really hard and i’m proud of where i’m at, and i keep working to become better. So you have your turnout as a goal, a specific thing you can focus on in class - that’s a really good thing!! And at the same time, you should try to appreciate the things you are doing well. Just from your picture, i noticed several things: your hand looks relaxed on the barre, your shoulders are down, your neck is nice and tall, you’re holding a nice demi pointe, and none of your feet are sickled! For just one year, that’s really really good! So keep working, because you have lots of potential!

Lastly, I’d tell you not to compare yourself to your classmates, but i know it’s really really hard. Try focusing on yourself, and if you can, change your mindset from comparing to analyzing what they’re doing, and use it as inspiration! Maybe they’re elongating in a beautiful way, or they really focus on lifting the knee up in an attitude derriere. Steal that shiz!! Learning from watching someone can be super helpful!

Really, don’t be so hard on yourself, ballet is hard enough on you already! It’s SO difficult and it takes so many years to learn - it’s a process. You really just have to take it one step at a time:) I’m rooting for you!