The Double Duty Dilemma: School and Dance
September means that school is in full swing. Parents and students both know the juggling act required to keep up with school assignments, extracurricular activities, and household responsibilities. The responsibilities and time commitments of both can seem overwhelming, but with careful planning and dedication, it’s entirely possible to thrive in both realms.
Creating a Danceable Schedule
- Prioritize and Plan
- Time management is key. Use tools like planners or digital calendars to map out your schedule, including classes, rehearsals, study sessions, and personal time. If you’re a parent of more than one active child, choosing sports or activities with opposite seasons could help you manage your time. Sit down with your child and map out their school schedule, creating a routine will eliminate some of the stress of the busy school year.
- Communication is Key
- Keep open lines of communication with your teachers, parents, children and dance instructors. Inform your parents and instructors about your commitments on both fronts and discuss potential conflicts. Most educators and instructors are understanding and may offer solutions or accommodations to help you manage your responsibilities. Create a safe space for yourself or your child so they can discuss any challenges they might be facing.
- Set Realistic Goals
- While it’s essential to aim high, set achievable goals for both school and dance. Establishing realistic expectations prevents burnout and ensures you can excel without compromising your health or performance.
- Learn to Delegate
- Recognize that you don’t have to do everything alone. Delegate tasks when possible, whether it’s partnering with classmates for group projects or seeking support from fellow dancers. Consider carpooling from school or home to dance. Collaboration can alleviate stress and foster a sense of togetherness.
Preserving Your Passion: Self-Care and Motivation
- Self-Care Is Essential
- Balancing school and dance requires mental and physical well-being. Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and regular exercise. Engage in activities you enjoy outside of academics and dance to recharge and prevent burnout. If you feel sick, stay home! School and dance will be there when you feel better.
- Find Motivation in Synergy
- Rather than viewing school and dance as separate entities, discover ways they can complement each other. Use dance as an outlet to relieve academic stress or draw inspiration from your studies to enhance your artistic expression.
- Celebrate Small Wins
- Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, whether they’re academic milestones or dance accomplishments. Regularly acknowledging progress can boost confidence and keep the dancer motivated to excel in both areas. A win is a win.
Embracing Flexibility and Adaptability
- Be Prepared for Changes
- Life is unpredictable, and unexpected challenges may arise. Develop the ability to adapt and adjust your plans when necessary. A flexible mindset will help you navigate obstacles without derailing your progress.
- Learn to Say No
- While it’s important to seize opportunities, overcommitting can lead to burnout. Politely decline additional responsibilities when your plate is already full to maintain a healthy balance between school and dance. Putting your child into too many activities at one can cause them to dislike dance or the other activities they’re involved in. Make sure to listen to your child and their boundaries.
- Periodic Evaluation
- Regularly assess your schedule and commitments. Are there areas where you can optimize your time? Are your goals still aligned with your passions? Adjustments may be needed over time to ensure you’re on the right track.
A Healthy Blend
Managing school commitments and dance might seem like a complex puzzle, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach. By fostering effective time management, open communication, and a growth mindset, you’ll achieve a blend of academic success and artistic fulfillment. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey – embrace the balancing act and talk to those around you.
To all the dance-loving parents out there, cheers to helping your child shine both in the classroom and on the dance floor!
So why Nan’s school of dance?
At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.
We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!
Don’t forget to register!
From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!
*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Want to Read More About Dance?
Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.