teacher - A Ballet of Life - Dancing and Teaching In Munich

Becoming a mother brings beautiful yet challenging experiences. For me, it came with a decision that shook my entire sense of self—hanging up my dance shoes to embrace motherhood. After years of performing and dedicating my life to being a professional ballet dancer, something I loved since childhood, stepping away didn’t just involve logistics; it felt like losing a part of my identity.

Dance Shoes to Embrace Motherhood - Harriet Mills performing Giselle — Performing as ‘Giselle’ during my 10-year long career with the Staatsballet Karlsruhe

The Decision to Step Away

For years, my husband and I lived apart, navigating the challenges of a long-distance relationship while pursuing our passionate careers. When our daughter entered the world, I knew I needed to change. It was no longer just the two of us—our family needed to come together under one roof. While the thought of continuing to dance professionally tugged at my heart, I felt a stronger pull to build a home with my husband and child.

Losing and Rediscovering My Identity

This decision wasn’t easy. Dance defined me more than just a career. From the age of 11, I trained rigorously, perfected my craft, and turned my passion into a successful career. Leaving the stage meant losing a part of me that I thought defined who I was. It represented the thing I excelled at, the constant in my life. Without it, I felt lost.

And I know many mothers can relate to this feeling. We give so much of ourselves to our families that, somewhere along the way, we can forget who we are. We lose sight of the person we were before becoming “mummy.” For me, stepping away from dance compounded that sense of losing myself in more ways than one.

Dance Shoes to Embrace Motherhood- Harriet Mills performing as Anna Karenina — Performing the mad scene from Reginaldo Oliveira’s ‘Anna Karenina‘ – Salzburg Landestheatre

Embracing the New Chapter

The combination of these two huge life changes definitely shook me but I knew time would be the best healer. And as time passed, I started to see this period of transition as an opportunity. Albeit a challenging and quite daunting one, but never the less one that I am growing with.

While I stepped away from my identity as a professional dancer, I also gained the space to rediscover who I am outside of that role. I’ve had the chance to explore new paths, to rebuild my work life in a way that still connects me to the dance world I love so much. Teaching has allowed me to stay close to my wonderful husband and daughter and connected to dance. I share my passion with others and am slowly rebuilding a new identity as both a mother and a mentor.

I’m still finding my way, but I’m learning that it’s okay to let go of one chapter to embrace another. Even though I have hung up my dance shoes for motherhood, through this journey, I’ve discovered that losing yourself doesn’t have to be permanent—it can be the beginning of finding yourself again in new and unexpected ways.

With love,

Harriet

We spend so much time looking forward to summer—the long days, the sunshine, the chance to unwind with family and friends. But in the blink of an eye, it’s over. As we say goodbye to those carefree days, the weight of returning to normal routines starts to creep in. For dancers, this means gearing up for another season—getting back into shape, leaving loved ones behind again, and preparing for the challenges that a new school year or company season may bring. I remember those feelings well.

There’s a sense of bittersweet anticipation that always comes with the start of something new. But it’s also exciting: new teachers, new roles, new skills to unlock. It’s a time for growth and learning, and while it may feel overwhelming at first, it’s full of potential.

Returning to the Studio: Mixed Emotions as a Teacher

Now, as a teacher, I find myself experiencing those same mixed emotions when it’s time to return to my work after a break. Being a freelance dance teacher brings its own set of challenges. It feels like a new beginning each time I step back into the studio, an opportunity to grow, discover new teaching methods, and help my students develop their own skills. But alongside the excitement, there’s always a lingering uncertainty.

Freelancing means relying on others to keep my work and income going, which can be stressful. There’s also the constant effort of getting myself known and staying visible in the dance community. And, like many of you, I’m also balancing the demands of family life. Being a new mum, a wife, and a teacher requires a delicate balancing act, and sometimes it feels like I’m being pulled in too many directions.

But here’s the thing—these challenges are part of the journey. And with each new season, I’m reminded that they are opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.

Embracing the Transition: A Time for Growth

As we all prepare to return to our routines, I encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge your feelings—whether it’s nervousness, excitement, or a mix of both. These emotions are valid, and they are part of what makes this time of year so special.

It’s natural to feel some anxiety about the unknown, but try to embrace the idea that anything is possible. We have the power to influence how the return to routine unfolds, and how we approach it will shape the season ahead. Let’s use the energy of those long, beautiful summer days to push us through the colder, darker months with positivity and determination.

Moving Forward with a Summer Mindset

As I look ahead, I feel a sense of appreciation for the opportunities that I have had and that are coming—for the chance to combine my dance career with teaching, for the continuous support of my family, and for the resilience that has helped me navigate the ups and downs in the past and that will help me face the ones to come in freelance life. I know that challenges will come, but with a determined mindset and a focus on what I can control, I feel ready to tackle them.

To my fellow dancers and teachers, as we step back into our routines, let’s approach this time with a positive outlook. Embrace the new roles, the new skills, and the opportunities this season brings. When challenges arise, face them head-on, knowing that each one is a chance to grow and learn.

Here’s to a fresh start and a fulfilling season ahead—one filled with growth, joy, and plenty of dancing.

With love,

Harriet xx

Tag: teacher

Sadly Hanging up My Dance Shoes to Embrace Motherhood