Today, we’re talking about Blind Spot Bias.
Blind spot bias refers to the tendency for people to believe they are less biased than others, leading them to overlook their own limitations or biases. This bias can hinder personal growth because it makes it difficult to recognise areas where improvement is needed. As a result, it can affect performance, relationships, and decision-making. People often believe they are objective and competent in ways that others are not, which can block constructive feedback and learning opportunities.
A Dance-Related Example
Imagine a dancer who has been training for many years and sees themselves as a highly skilled performer. They may believe they’ve mastered their craft, whether in ballet, hip-hop, or contemporary dance. However, there could be specific styles or techniques where their proficiency is lacking—like flexibility in ballet or freestyle in hip-hop. If another teacher or dancer provides constructive feedback about these areas, the dancer might dismiss it, believing that their skill level is already high enough.
They might respond by thinking or saying:
“I’ve been doing this for years; I know what I’m doing.”
“That’s not really relevant to my dance style anyway.”
“They just don’t understand my approach.”
This dancer is demonstrating blind spot bias by failing to recognise gaps in their abilities. Their inability to receive feedback hinders their potential to grow, refine their craft, or expand their expertise into new areas.
Blind Spot Bias in Dance Learning
Blind spot bias is especially common in dance because:
Dance can be deeply personal—dancers feel attached to their unique style and approach.
Mastery in one genre can make dancers think they have nothing more to learn, blocking them from exploring other styles or techniques.
Dancers might view feedback as criticism rather than an opportunity to improve, especially when it comes from teachers or peers with different perspectives.
Even experienced teachers and choreographers can fall into this trap. A teacher might think:
“I’ve been teaching for decades—what new techniques could I possibly need to learn?”
This attitude can prevent adopting new methods or collaborating with specialists in other areas like strength training, injury prevention, or emerging dance trends.
Practical Takeaways: Recognising and Addressing Blind Spot Bias
Embrace Feedback: Instead of dismissing feedback, view it as a gift—even if it’s hard to hear, it could highlight areas of growth.
Surround Yourself with Specialists: Each teacher or choreographer brings unique expertise. Some may focus on technique, others on musicality, stage presence, or choreography. Use this diversity to compensate for your own blind spots.
Be a Lifelong Learner: Even the most skilled dancers and instructors can benefit from trying new genres, techniques, or teaching styles. Curiosity keeps the passion alive and prevents stagnation.
Recognise Strengths and Weaknesses: No one can excel at everything. Knowing where you excel and where you need help allows you to collaborate more effectively with other teachers or choreographers.
Application at Dance Culture Studios
At Dance Culture Studios, we encourage our dancers and instructors to recognise both their strengths and areas for improvement. We believe in creating an environment where feedback is embraced, not resisted. Some teachers specialize in technique, while others excel at motivating students or creating complex choreography. It’s important to know what kind of teaching suits each dancer's level and goals—for example:
A gentle instructor might inspire beginners and young dancers.
A challenging teacher might push advanced dancers to surpass their limits, even if it feels uncomfortable at times.
Our philosophy is that no single instructor or dancer can be everything to everyone. Collaboration is key to filling in blind spots and ensuring well-rounded growth. This is why we bring in guest teachers, focus on multiple styles, and provide cross-disciplinary workshops—because we know that progress requires openness.
To sum it up:
Growth Requires Awareness
Blind spot bias can stifle personal development by making people believe they’ve already reached their peak. However, the truth is that every dancer and teacher has room to grow. Recognizing your blind spots isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength that allows you to seek guidance, improve, and evolve.
At Dance Culture Studios, we believe in the philosophy of “failing forward.” It’s okay to struggle or discover limitations—what matters is how you respond. The upward spiral of mastery involves constantly learning, acknowledging blind spots, and surrounding yourself with people who complement your skills. That’s how true progress happens: with humility, collaboration, and openness to new possibilities.
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