The Quiet Power of Courage: Life Lessons from the Studio

As we say goodbye to October, with its mix of summer’s end, Thanksgiving reflections, and Halloween fun, we step fully into autumn. The air is crisp, the trees are painted in glorious colour, and here at the studio, that means costume measuring, fittings, and the exciting big reveal of our 2026 Showcase theme!

Amidst all of that, I (along with our faculty and staff) want to take a moment to thank you for entrusting us with your child’s growth and development, a role we hold with great care and responsibility.

As a mother of three and grandparent of six, I know firsthand how vital community is when raising a family. When my daughters reached their pre-teen and teenage years, I realized how important it was to surround them with positive adult role models, people who could guide, encourage, and listen when they needed another trusted voice. That understanding has shaped much of what we strive to create here at Pegasus: dance is our language, but the values and skills we teach are for life.

In that spirit, my monthly blog posts this year focus on Emotional Intelligence; the skills that help children understand themselves and others. In a world that’s constantly changing, qualities like self-awareness, empathy, courage, and gratitude are becoming even more essential than knowledge alone.

Courage doesn’t always look like big, bold moments. More often, it’s found in quiet choices, the willingness to try something new, to speak up when it’s difficult, or to show kindness when it would be easier to stay silent. This month, we’re exploring how courage shows up in our dance studios, in our children’s daily lives, and in the ways we can nurture it together, at home and in the dance class, so our dancers grow not only in skill, but in heart and character too.

Courage in the Studio — and at HomeAt Pegasus Dance Studios, courage isn’t always about being the loudest or the boldest. Sometimes it’s the small, brave moments: trying a new step, speaking up when something feels unfair, or offering a kind word to someone who seems left out. These are the moments that reflect our Pegasus values; Kindness, Respect, Trust, Consistency, Growth, and Accountability, in action.

When dancers learn to stand up for themselves and for others, they begin to understand that courage and compassion work hand in hand. Creating a space where everyone feels safe, seen, and valued is how we build an inclusive community, one dancer at a time.

At home, courage can be nurtured through simple, everyday conversations and examples:

Acknowledge brave choices. Notice when your child tries something new or admits to a mistake. Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome.

Model speaking up. Let your child see you handle tough situations with calm confidence and kindness.

Practice empathy. Talk about what it means to stand beside someone who needs a friend, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Together, at home and in the studio, we can help children see that courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about choosing kindness, respect, and integrity even when it’s hard. And that’s how we raise not just great dancers, but truly great humans.

Follow our Monthly Blog series on Developing Emotional Intelligence for our children. Octobers Blog;  The Etiquette of Dance Class and How it Encourages Gratitude
https://www.pegasusdancestudios.com/studionews/archives/10-2025​

​With a grateful heart,
Jane

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Jane Davis-Munro,  Artistic Director
​[email protected]
Wisdom Coach 
https://www.pegasusdancestudios.com/growingyoungleaders.html