From Scallops to Lumpsuckers (and Why Goals Matter)

I remember how proud I felt the day my young swimmer advanced from Scallop to Cuttlefish. As I watched her strong, self-assured doggy paddle, I imagined Olympic gold. Possibly a parade.

The next few months were intoxicating. She rocketed through the preschool ranks—Cuttlefish, Mackerel—and eventually reached the pinnacle of aquatic achievement: Lumpsucker. We were living the dream.

And then… things stalled.

Grade school arrived, and suddenly there were no more adorable titles or shiny promotions. Just weekly swim practices. Swim meets. Practice again.

What was this cesspool of goal-lessness?

Let’s Talk About Goals

Sometimes it’s hard to gauge our children’s progress. Most dancers want to“get better.” Which is lovely. And sincere. But also a bit vague.

Better how?

• Turns?

• Flexibility?

• Remembering choreography without panic?

That’s where goals come in.

Goal-setting is simply taking that heartfelt wish to “get better” and giving it focus and form—Lumpsucker style.

At Epic, we teach our preteen and teen dancers how to set their own individualized S.M.A.R.T. goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.

So instead of:

• “I want to do better turns,” we hear“I will complete a controlled double turn in three months.”

• “I want to be more flexible,” becomes“I will have my splits in ten weeks,” or“I will battement over my head by the end of May.”

• “I want to be more confident,” becomes“This semester, I will stay present when I mess up and try even when I’m scared.”

Process Over Podiums

Dancers learn that improvement isn’t magic—it’s built through repetition, patience, and showing up with intention each week.

These lessons transfer seamlessly into real life:

• how to break big dreams into manageable steps

• how to measure growth without comparison

• how to work consistently without burning out

• how to fail, adjust, and try again

Dance goals are rarely met quickly. And they rarely come with trophies.But they build humans who can handle difficult things—with persistence, resilience, and courage.

And honestly?That’s a far better prize than any ribbon.

Pacific Lumpsucker living the dream.