New Year’s Resolutions for Dancers

When dance becomes such a large factor in your life, it’s easy to lose yourself in the world of practice and training.

With these New Year’s Resolutions for dancers, you can make yourself promises that will keep you emotionally and physically healthy throughout the year:

Start a Dance Journal

Grab an empty notebook in order to jot down your goals, accomplishments, thoughts, and feelings.

Writing these things not only will help you organize your goals and how to achieve them but will also give you a chance to look back and reflect on your dance journey.

If ever you feel that you’re stuck in a rut, you can read through your journal to see how far you have come.

Take Breaks

Dancing requires a lot of physical and emotional dedication. If you push yourself too far, you increase the chances of burning out or injuring your body.

You need to take time to rejuvenate. Make yourself a promise this New Year to slow down and rest when needed.

If you feel your body and mind are ready to give up, take a day to yourself. You don’t have to do anything fancy – take a bath, watch a movie or read a good book.

Dance Outside of the Studio

The more you practice and train in a dance studio, the more you may lose touch with how fun dancing really is.

Make the time this year to dance outside of the studio. You can hit up a club or have a dance party in your living room.

Broaden Your Repertoire

Expand your dance horizons by learning new skills and techniques.

This year, consider enrolling in a different style of dance class or give gymnastics a try. Gymnastics is a great activity for dancers because it teaches your body how to move in different ways.

Trying something new can provide amazing benefits to your dance training.

Be Inspired

As you practice and train with other dancers, it’s easy to constantly compare yourself to their skill level.

This year, instead of comparing, start appreciating. Let the success of others inspire you to improve, develop and grow as a dancer.

Offer genuine praise to your peers and don’t be afraid to ask for help or tips.

Eat More Anti-inflammatory Foods

The last thing anyone wants to be told is to start a diet in the New Year.

Thankfully, you can make healthy eating choices without subscribing to fad diets and plans.

As a dancer, your body is prone to inflammation, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and injury.

Instead if re-hauling your eating habits, simply add in more anti-inflammatory foods such as tomatoes, olive oil, leafy greens, almonds, and fatty fish.

Explore Other Hobbies

Sometimes it’s so easy to fall so deep into the “dance zone” that it is almost impossible to pay attention to anything else.

It’s important to allow yourself to focus on other activities you enjoy. Try to make time to pursue an enjoyable hobby and allow your “dance brain” to take a rest.

Doing so may help dissipate any frustrations or stress you may be associating with dance training. Getting your mind off things allows you the opportunity to refocus on your efforts with a clear mind.

Be Present

Try to reduce distraction during dance practice, such as checking your phone or even letting negative thoughts cloud your mind.

Focus on the flow of dance – the way your body feels as it moves with the music.

Becoming more aware of the present is the basis of mindfulness practice. You can use dance to connect your mind with your body.

Take Care of Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Dancing is all about that connection and in order to nurture your skills, you need to focus on making sure your entire being is taken care of.

If you have any questions about finding a dance-life balance in your hectic schedule, feel free to contact us at Elite Dance Studios.