Welcome Back! Tips for returning to a new school year of dance.
It can be daunting to think about returning to dance each fall. Juggling back to school, fall activities, holidays, and a new dance schedule can present some challenges! Here are some tips from ABA on how to best prepare yourself or your dancer for a new school year:
Write out your schedule - Have a dance-specific calendar on your wall or on a device that tells you what time to be at the studio for the day. Remember, “on time is late!” and arrive at the studio at least 15 minutes before each scheduled class to get in uniform, warm up, and mentally prepare for the night ahead. Make sure you specify each class you have for the day so you can pack the appropriate shoes, clothes, or equipment to bring to the studio!
Prep your uniforms and shoes and tools - New uniform color? Have some new pointe shoes to sew or break in? Make sure that is done before classes start! Showing up prepared shows your teachers and classmates that you are ready to tackle your goals.
Write out some goals - Speaking of goals, take a few moments to write out your dance goals for the year! You can review them with your instructors and make sure they are in line with what your level is set to achieve for your curriculum.
Get moving - Start gently stretching and starting to move around again a few weeks before classes begin. Summer is a great time for scheduled rest, but it is important to prepare your body for the abrupt uptick in activity. Summer activities like swimming, biking, and rollerskating can help keep your body active during scheduled studio closures. If your studio is open, ask administration about renting some studio space to give yourself a class, schedule a private lesson or two, and get your self back to the barre! Your body will thank you!