Back to Dance Tips!

The long, hot days of summer are now over; the pools are closed, the leaves are changing colors, and of course school is back in session. Although some of us may already be missing summertime, the good news is that with the start of a new school year also comes the start of a new dance year! I’m sure we’re all eager to get back to the studio and start dancing again. To prepare for a fun new year at dance, here is some “back to dance” advice.

First things first, figure out your schedule. Get a planner or calendar on your phone so that you can write down important times and dates. Once you decide what dance classes you are taking and at what times, you can build the rest of your schedule around the times of your classes as well as school, appointments, homework, etc. Time management is an important skill to learn and it will ensure that you get to class on time without having to worry about the millions of homework assignments you have to complete.

Once your schedule is set, start stretching! While we may have danced now and then over the summer, it probably hasn’t been a consistent routine of ours for the past three months. With that being said, it’s not a good idea to jump into your splits as soon as you get to your first class. Take things slow. Make sure you get a good warm up (jumping jacks, running in place, lunges, and jumps are all good ways to do this) then slowly begin your stretching routine. Try holding each stretch for about 30 seconds. In some positions like the butterfly stretch you can gently push down each leg to get it closer to the ground, but be sure to listen to your body. If it hurts (hurts with pain versus getting a good stretch) then stop! You don’t want to damage your body. Stretching is an important part of dance so it’s great to slowly get back into the habit of stretching regularly.

The last piece of back to dance advice has to do with one of my favorite things…shopping! Use some of the money you’ve saved up over the summer and get the appropriate attire for dance class. Check online or with your teacher if you are unsure about what each class requires you to wear. Replace your old, ripped, faded pink ballet tights with a new pair (or two) for the coming year. Purchase the correct pair of shoes for your class and wear them often to break them in. If your old pair has holes or rips in them, it may be time for a replacement. Dressing appropriately for class is a vital part of dance and allows the teacher to view your body clearly as well as allowing you to feel comfortable dancing. Check with Ms. Megan to see where you can get discounts around town or online by attending Dream Dance Studios!

Getting your schedule together, starting to stretch again, and wearing the right attire to dance class will help you get back into the swing of things. I hope this advice helps and gets you ready for another fabulous year at Dream Dance Studios. Happy dancing!!