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Staying Motivated in Dance: Top Tips for Dancers and Performers
Dance is often a rollercoaster journey of passion, dedication and constant self-improvement. Whether you’re in the dance studio, at an exciting audition, training at performing arts college, or navigating the dance industry, staying motivated is crucial for all performers. This blog is brought to you by Shades Dancewear and aims to provide dancers and performers with practical strategies and tips to stay inspired, handle rejection, and embrace their individuality.
Staying Motivated During Dance Classes
Dance classes are the foundation of every dancer’s training. They are the place where skills are honed, techniques are polished, and new styles are explored. However, the repetitive nature of training, physical and emotional demands, can sometimes lead to burnout. It’s incredibly important that dancers look after their physical and mental health, so here’s some of Shades Dancewear’s top tips to stay motivated:
- Set Clear Goals
Establish short-term and long-term goals for your dance journey. Whether it’s mastering a specific move, improving your flexibility, or preparing for an upcoming performance, having clear goals gives you something to strive for. Once you know exactly what you’re striving for, you will be able to measure your improvement and recognise what your personal dance priorities should be.
- Celebrate Small Wins
Always acknowledge your progress, no matter how big or small. Celebrate each milestone, whether it’s nailing a challenging step or receiving positive feedback from your teacher. Each small victory can help keep you motivated, boost your confidence and drive you towards your goal.
- Stay Curious
Keep your passion for dance fresh and alive by exploring different styles and techniques. Attend workshops, watch performances, and immerse yourself in the diverse world of dance. Diverse training and awareness are a necessity for well-rounded performers and staying curious helps you remain engaged and excited about learning. If your current dance training lacks diversity, Shades Dancewear encourage everybody to use their voice and encourage you to ask your teachers why?
- Connect with Peers
Build a supportive network of fellow dancers. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with your peers can provide motivation and camaraderie. Together, you can inspire and uplift each other through the ups and downs of dance training.
Finding Inspiration
Auditions are a critical aspect of a dancer’s career, often bringing a mix of excitement and anxiety. It can be challenging to remain inspired when faced with challenges and rejection, so to stay inspired and motivated throughout your dance journey, we recommend that you should:
- Embrace Your Individuality
Understand that what sets you apart is what makes you memorable. Embrace your unique style, personality, and strengths. Embrace your ethnicity, and retain your identity with your Shades Dancewear. Avoid comparing yourself to others, and instead focus on showcasing your authentic self and what makes you unique.
- Visualize What Success Means To You
There are a number of visualisation techniques that help you to imagine yourself succeeding in auditions. Picture yourself performing confidently and showcasing your skillset to the best of your ability, impressing everybody around you. This positive imagery can boost your self-assurance and help keep you motivated as you attend auditions.
- Prepare Thoroughly
Confidence comes from preparation, so make sure you’re prepared. Ensure you’re well-prepared by knowing the choreography, researching the company or show, and understanding what the audition panel is looking for. Being well-prepared reduces anxiety and allows you to perform at your best.
- Learn from Each Experience
View each audition as a learning opportunity. Regardless of the outcome, reflect on what went well and what you can improve. This growth mindset helps you stay motivated and continuously improve.
Staying Motivated at Performing Arts College
Dance college is a transformative experience, but it can also be demanding and challenging. To stay motivated throughout your studies:
- Manage Your Time Effectively
Balancing classes, rehearsals, and personal time is crucial. Create a schedule that allows you to manage your responsibilities while ensuring you have time for rest and self-care.
- Seek Inspiration from Mentors
Build relationships with your instructors and mentors. Their experience and guidance can provide invaluable insights and encouragement. Don’t hesitate to seek advice and support when needed.
Find us @shadesdancewear 🤎
Blog created by Amy Gibson
