The new year is a good time for dancers to look back at what they’ve done and set some dance resolutions. For young dancers, it’s a chance to dream big, sharpen their skills and get excited about dance all over again. As a parent, you can help your child turn those goals into steps they can actually take, and keep them motivated and supported along the way. Here are some New Year’s resolution ideas for young dancers, with tips on helping them succeed, from setting small milestones to celebrating progress.
1. Focus on technique
Better technique is one of the most worthwhile goals a dancer of any level can set. Perfecting a plié in ballet, sharpening arm movements in hip hop or cleaning up footwork in tap all build a strong base to grow from. Encourage your child to pick one specific technical element to work on this year, like posture, balance or flexibility.
Sit down together and help them choose a realistic goal based on feedback from their dance teachers. You can also set aside a few minutes each day for them to stretch or practice at home, and make it a fun routine you do together.
2. Build strength and flexibility
Dance takes strength, endurance and flexibility, and all three improve over time. Goals like holding a plank for longer, getting deeper into the splits or building stamina with conditioning exercises can make a noticeable difference when your child dances.
Help by setting up a schedule for regular practice at home, or sign them up for something extra like yoga or pilates. Both build strength and flexibility in a safe, low-impact way.
3. Set performance goals
Performances and competitions are where dancers get to show their hard work and progress. Encourage your child to set a goal for performing, such as dancing with more confidence on stage, improving their stage presence or learning to manage pre-show nerves.
Go to rehearsals and performances whenever you can to show your support. Celebrate your child’s effort and progress more than the outcome, and remind them that every performance is a chance to learn and grow.
4. Embrace new dance styles
Trying a new dance style pushes your child out of their comfort zone and makes them a more versatile dancer. Whether it’s jazz, contemporary, hip hop or tap, a new style builds coordination, rhythm and creativity.
Talk with your child and their teacher about which new styles might suit their interests and skills. Then encourage them to sign up for a new class or join a summer camp that offers a mix of dance styles. You can see what’s coming up at Nan’s School of Dance summer camps and classes.
5. Cultivate a positive mindset
Dance can be hard on the body and the mind. One of the best resolutions your child can make is to work on a positive mindset: being kind to themselves, learning from mistakes and staying motivated when things get tough.
Be your child’s biggest cheerleader. Remind them that progress takes time, and that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as they keep trying. Praise their effort and persistence to help them build confidence and resilience.
6. Balance dance and life
Dance may be a big part of your child’s life, but they still need balance. Encourage them to set goals for rest, recovery and hobbies outside dance so they don’t burn out.
Work with your child on a schedule that has room for schoolwork, family and friends, plus plenty of rest. Downtime keeps young dancers happy and full of energy all year.
More dance resolutions you can actually keep
Most New Year’s resolutions are broken by February! These are small enough to stick with all year. Older dancers can take them on by themselves, and younger ones can try them with your help.
- Dance outside the studio more. Dancers love the studio, with its smooth floors and big mirrors, but they need to feel comfortable dancing everywhere else, too. Dance at home, with friends, in the car, anywhere you can! Here are more ways to enjoy dance outside the studio.
- Keep a dance log. Take a few minutes to write down how your dancing is going, and list the classes you’ve taken, the recitals and videos you’ve been in and any pieces you’ve made. Keep adding to it through the year. It gives you a detailed record of your training, so you can see what you’ve done so far and where you want to go next.
- Learn a skill that will help your dancing. Is there something you wish you could do, like mixing music, making up choreography or another form of dance? Start learning it slowly, and make this the year you add to your skills.
- Listen to different kinds of music. Dance and music go together like peanut butter and jelly! Try a different radio station or explore new playlists, or ask friends and family what they’re listening to. New music can inspire new movements.
- Focus on your health. Make some “me time” a priority, whether that’s a bubble bath, physical therapy, eating right, a regular sleep schedule or yoga. Give your body and mind what they need so you feel your best.
- Think constructively. The words you use when you talk to yourself matter, and negative self-talk tends to keep things negative. Try turning it into something you can work with:
- “I don’t know anyone here!” can become “I can’t wait to meet new people!”
- “I never get blocked in the front!” can become “How can I improve my performance during casting?”
- “I’m not good enough to be in this class!” can become “What skills do I need to work on to improve in this class?”
- Have fun dancing! It’s easy to get caught up in the stress, the obligations and the insecurities. Remember why you started dancing in the first place: because it’s fun!
Make dance friends and find the spark again
Dance is something you share, and having a supportive group of dancers around you makes the whole experience more fun. Encourage your dancer to make friends with other dancers this year, in class, at workshops or from other studios. Sharing experiences, working on projects together and getting honest feedback from friends all help a dancer grow.
Dancing every day, or several times a week, can be draining physically and mentally, and it’s possible to lose the enjoyment even when you’re doing what you love most. If that happens, try something new to get the spark back. Start by talking about why your dancer started dancing and what their favorite dance memories are. Once they remember that excitement, they’ll be looking forward to their next class again.
Two smaller resolutions help with this, too: warm up before every practice and cool down afterward, and practice choreography outside the studio more often. If your dancer needs help with something, speaking up about it is a good goal as well.
How to inspire your dancer in the new year
Every dancer goes through a slump at some point, no matter how much they love dance. Maybe they’re a little tired or bored with the routine. It’s normal, and sometimes all it takes is a little motivation to get going again. Here are some ways to get inspired:
- Go to a performance. After working so hard in the studio, it’s easy to forget why you fell in love with dance. See a new dance company or an old favorite, and let watching them make you want to perform again!
- Read about dance. Reading about something you love is relaxing, and it can boost your motivation. A dancer’s autobiography shows that other dancers go through the same highs and lows. If a book isn’t your thing, try an audiobook or a podcast. For younger dancers, try one of these ballet-themed children’s books.
- Explore the other arts. When dance starts to feel stale, try painting or drawing, take a voice lesson or join an acting class. The arts overlap, and practicing a different one can get your creativity going and make you want to dance again.
- Get a new dance outfit. What you wear has a big effect on how you feel. Swap out some of your dance clothes for something new that makes you feel good, and you may find yourself wanting to perform and do your best.
Cheering your child on in the new year
Helping your child set and reach dance goals this year can make a big difference. Encourage them to dream big, break their goals into manageable steps and celebrate every achievement, big or small. With your support, your dancer will build discipline, confidence and a love of dance that lasts.
Looking for more ideas for January? Read why dance is the perfect hobby for the new year.
Reach your goals with 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!
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