Episode 126: The Mental Strength to Return to Dance with Miller Daurey
Summary:
My guest today is inspiring the dance world by documenting his return to dance. Miller Daurey is a former professional team dancer who quit dance at 19, just when his career was really taking off. He has a new docuseries called Back to Great where he explores returning to dance training three decades later and all that entails.
In today’s episode, we talk a lot about his message that it’s never too late to go back to something you once loved. He turned the tables on me a few times in this episode by asking questions that really made me think, which I of course love. We talked about the mental toll of the new culture in LA of filming for social media at the end of dance class. Personally, I love watching those videos, but it’s certainly interesting to explore the mental cost of participating in those videos in a space that’s meant for learning. We also talked about our identity as a dancer, comparison and perfectionism, creating a safe class environment in the dance studio, and most importantly, how you show up for yourself.
“And my why — because this is a question I think that’s important to ask is what is your why. For me, it’s about inspiring others. It’s not too late to go back to something and maybe even be great again. And even if you're not great again, who cares! It’s about the love of the art and the passion.”
– Miller Daurey
Key Highlights –
- [2m 07s] – Miller’s Dance Background
- [4m 31s] – Miller’s Return-to-Dance Story
- [6m 55s] – What’s Changed in the Industry
- [12m 51s] – Breathwork in the Moment
- [16m 21s] – Perfectionism in Dance
- [25m 52s] – Class vs. Being Performance Ready
- [28m 44s] – Identity as a Dancer
- [33m 00s] – Miller’s Routines
- [45m 08s] – Advice for Those Returning to an Old Dream
Resources –
Connect with Miller on YouTube: www.youtube.com/backtogreat
Connect with Miller on Instagram: www.instagram.com/backtogreat
Connect with Miller on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@backtogreat
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Transcript
Miller Daurey
Miller Daurey is a former professional teen dancer who quit dance at 19 — just when his career was really taking off. In his new docuseries, Back To Great, he explores returning to dance training 3 decades later and all that entails. It’s his hope to inspire and remind others… it’s never too late to go back to something you once loved.
