If you’re looking to transform your life as a dancer then you need to be following these ten dancer habits!
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Our lives as dancers are incredibly demanding. From dance rehearsals, technique classes, and our lives in general it can be hard to set a positive routine and good habits to properly care for our minds and bodies. That’s why I’ve created this list of ten positive habits to be a more successful dancer.
You are going to learn about the best dancer self care habits, rehearsal habits, dance conditioning habits, and more!
After reading this post you are going to be ready to set the best routine with these ten dancer habits!
This post is all about dancer habits
Dancer Habits
1. Journaling
Journaling is a great reflection habit for anyone but especially for dancers. As a dancer, journaling can help you keep track of your goals, track growth, improve your mental health, and find new creative ideas.
Here are a few ways you can add journaling to your dance habits:
- Writing down your corrections
- Setting Goals
- Writing down what you are proud of
- Managing your rehearsal times
- Creating lists for performances and class needs
- Writing down choreography
- Organizing choreography ideas
2. Cross Training
We all know that dancers are definitely athletes. That is why cross training is crucial to stay fit and strong as a dancers.
Many other athletes, like swimmers, will train outside of their primary sport by weightlifting, running, or working out in a variety of ways. Dancers need to do the same to build strength, stamina, or flexibility.
To learn more about cross training for dancers here are a few people I recommend checking out:
All of these people have paid options as well as FREE content available on their websites and social media. They have helped my cross training journey so much and I am seeing such great results with my dancing.
Every dancer needs to get in the habit of cross training to improve their abilities in the dance studio.
3. Drinking Water
We all know the phrase “hydrate before you die-drate” but it really is true. With all the activity dancers do it is essential that dancers drink plenty of water before, during, and after dancing.
What can help you to drink plenty of water is to have a good water bottle or use flavor enhancers and electrolyte boosters to motivate you to drink water.
4. Fueling with Food
Contrary to old, out dated stereotypes dancers have to eat a lot. We have to fuel our bodies to work out and dance for hours on end. That is why dancers need to get in the habit of fueling their bodies properly.
Be sure you are getting plenty of fuel to dance for however long you need.
I HIGHLY recommend checking out Dancer Nutrition for more advice on how to properly fuel your body as a dancer.
5. Getting Plenty of Rest
Just like staying hydrated and eating well, dancers must get plenty of rest. This includes resting your body.
Many dancers don’t allow themselves to have a rest day to let their bodies recover. This can lead to fatigue, burn out, and injury.
Having a recovery day is crucial to your positive habits as a dancer.
6. Rolling Out Your Muscles
Rolling out your muscles can be a highly beneficial dancer habit after a long day of dancing.
Here are some of the benefits of foam rolling:
- Easing muscle soreness
- Improve circulation
- Reduce inflammation
- Help with relaxation
- Reduce tension
7. Cooling Down After Class or Rehearsals
Just like warming up, cooling down can help you avoid injuries. Your cool down is just as important as a warm up which is why you should prioritize including a cool down in your routine.
A cool down will allow your body to safely return to a normal temperature and your heart rate to slow back gown. This is also a good time to stretch your muscles to reduce lactic acid build up and work on your flexibility.
8. Meditation
Finally, meditation can really help your mental health as a dancer which is why this habit is amazing for dancers. Meditating can help you relax and center yourself, preparing your mind and body for all of the things we deal with as dancers.
Before you go:
This post has been all about the eight best habits of incredibly successful dancers.
We hope these habits inspire you to become the best dancer you can be and improve your dance habits to become an even better dancer.
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