Juggling Back-to-School and Dance Class

Juggling Back-to-School and Dance Class

The transition from a fun-filled summer back into a full-time school year is difficult for all students, but dancers in particular are trying to remember their dances, material they may have forgotten over the summer, and everything else their instructors are asking. These tips offer ideas to make that transition easier and less stressful for everyone involved:

 

• Make a homework schedule. With adequate planning students can make a homework schedule that works with their dance classes. For instance, before dance class I will finish my math worksheets. When I get out I can study for my test tomorrow. This will ensure students can focus on both their dancing and their schoolwork.

Dance class is fun. While homework is unarguably important, the stress it brings should not come to dance class. Remind students that dance is not a place to worry about the test they have on Friday. Dance time should be focused on dancing, improving, and having fun because dancing in itself is an excellent stress reliever. Leave that tension in the waiting room.

Eat energy packed foods. Nothing is better for a dancer than eating a healthy diet. Foods that offer energy give dancers the power to make it through both long school days and full rehearsals. Protein-packed breakfasts of eggs or whole-grain cereal are perfect ways to start off the day. Snacks of nuts and dried berries offer bursts of energy. Avoid the drive thru line and giving your dancer a PB&J on wheat bread or a tuna salad instead. And perhaps most importantly, staying hydrated keeps dancer’s minds and bodies on point.

Get plenty of sleep. A well-rested mind and body equals a happy dancer. The recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night helps improve concentration in both school and dance class.

Take Epsom salt baths. This is multi-tasking at its finest. After a particularly challenging class, nothing feels better than soaking your muscles. Adding a cup or two of scented Epsom salt into a bathtub full of water helps reduce swelling in aching muscles. A lavender scented salt will help the mind unwind. In addition, bath time is also a great time to study. Instead of relaxing with a good book (which isn’t out of the question) try cracking open those Chemistry chapters you were supposed to read.

What are some of your best strategies for relieving stress and balancing dance and school?