‘Stop worrying what people think and just go for it’

The Royal Ballet’s principal ballerina Francesca Hayward shares how letting go of what others think has given her freedom.

When I’m on stage, something happens to me. I let go and lose myself in the performance. Nerves might creep in beforehand, but it’s important to remember that butterflies are good; they’re reminders of how much you care. When you stop worrying about what people might think and just go for it, it’s revelatory.

Dealing with criticism is a difficult skill. I watch things on TV such as The X Factor, where contestants burst into tears at the slightest negative feedback, and think, ‘They wouldn’t last very long in the dance world!’ My training has taught me how to turn comments around in your head. It’s not a bad thing if someone is giving you a correction – they’re investing time in you because they think you’re worth it. Ballet has shown me the value in shifting your mindset to realise criticism is rarely a targeted personal attack; it is there to help you get better.

I have been trained to push myself. Almost without realising, I’ve developed a discipline and stamina that leaks into other areas of life. If you’re struggling for motivation, ask yourself: how much do you want this? The regrets of not having worked hard are much worse than the difficult times.

However, the flipside of this is that if you are a driven person, people will push you. As a ballet student, I tended to avoid speaking up if I was struggling or in pain, but in recent years I’ve learned that if you’re not standing up for yourself, no one else will. Taking care of myself, both in training and in life generally, is about being sensible about my limitations. I try not to say yes to everything, and I’m more aware of balance. Sometimes, we all need a rest day – and that’s okay.

When obstacles block our desires, managing our mindset is crucial. It helps to speak to yourself with compassion rather than berating yourself about what you’re unable to do.

● The Royal Ballet performs The Nutcracker from 23 November 2021 to 8 January 2022. To find out more, visit roh.org.uk

Dealing with criticism is a difficult skill