Today, we’re talking about the Sunk Cost Fallacy.
The sunk cost fallacy is a cognitive bias where people continue to pursue a course of action simply because they have already invested time, money, or effort, even when it’s clear that the action is no longer beneficial. This bias can lead to inefficient decision-making, as it makes people reluctant to abandon projects or routines, even if shifting focus would yield better results. In dance, this might manifest when dancers and choreographers persist with routines or techniques that are proving too difficult, simply because they have already invested significant effort.
A Dance-Related Example
Imagine a dancer who has been working tirelessly to master a complex routine for a performance. Hours have been spent practicing intricate movements, but the dancer isn’t making progress. Instead of stepping back to reflect or adjust their approach, they double down on their efforts, convinced that abandoning the routine would mean their previous practice has been wasted.
This is an example of the sunk cost fallacy—the dancer continues investing time and energy into the routine, despite growing frustration and minimal improvement. Rather than shifting focus to a simpler routine or adjusting the choreography to better suit their abilities, the dancer clings to the original plan, hoping their past efforts will eventually pay off. This can lead to wasted time and emotional burnout—all because the dancer is unwilling to let go of what they’ve already invested.
Why the Sunk Cost Fallacy Matters in Dance
Burnout: Dancers may exhaust themselves emotionally and physically, continuing with a routine that is causing more frustration than progress.
Wasted Opportunities: Sticking to an ineffective plan prevents dancers from shifting focus to more achievable goals or learning new skills.
Choreographic Stagnation: Choreographers may feel compelled to stick with ideas they’ve invested in, even when alternative concepts would make the routine better.
Practical Strategies to Overcome the Sunk Cost Fallacy
Evaluate Progress Regularly: Dancers and teachers should pause periodically to assess whether their current approach is effective. If it’s not working, it’s okay to change course.
Focus on Growth, Not Just Goals: Instead of fixating on completing a routine at all costs, focus on learning and improving through the process, even if it means abandoning an initial plan.
Adapt Choreography as Needed: Don’t be afraid to modify routines if they are not working. Sometimes a simpler variation can still shine on stage.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize that changing course is not a failure—choosing to pivot and learn something new is part of the growth process.
Know When to Let Go: Just because time or energy has been invested doesn’t mean you must continue. Shift focus to more rewarding areas where progress feels achievable and motivating.
Application at Dance Culture Studios
At Dance Culture Studios, we believe in the importance of adaptability and self-awareness. If dancers or choreographers find themselves struggling with a routine or idea, it’s important to step back and reflect. We encourage our students to recognise that changing direction—even after significant effort—is not a failure. It’s part of the creative process and essential for growth.
Choreographers also benefit from this mindset. Rather than feeling tied to routines that aren’t coming together, we promote collaboration and brainstorming with peers to find new, workable solutions. Teachers at Dance Culture Studios ensure that students don’t feel pressured to persist with ineffective routines just because they’ve started them—we foster an environment where trying new things is encouraged.
In our competitions and performances, we also emphasise flexibility. If a routine isn’t clicking, it’s okay to revise or simplify it—sometimes those changes result in the most memorable performances.
To sum it up:
Progress Over Pride
The sunk cost fallacy can trap dancers and choreographers into thinking that quitting or changing plans equals failure, but in reality, letting go of ineffective efforts is often the wisest choice. Whether it’s a routine that isn’t working or choreography that needs adjustment, progress comes from being open to change.
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