Embracing the Dance Journey: Part I - A Guide for Adult Dancers Committing to Regular Practice
First of all - congratulations on stepping into the world of dance! Once you’ve braved your first class, please realize that most people never even get this far. That’s not nothing. You are already ahead. Way to go dancer!
Whether you've just taken your first class or a few, the journey ahead promises to be both rewarding and transformative. As you commit to dancing regularly, it’s essential to have realistic expectations and equip yourself with the right mindset and tools. Here are some key insights to help you thrive in your new passion.
1. Progress is NOT Linear — And That’s Okay
Dancing is a journey, and like any new endeavor, it comes with its ups and downs. You will have days when you feel on top of the world, mastering new steps and tricky techniques. You will also have days that will leave you frustrated as you grapple with choreography or technique. Remember, setbacks are a natural part of learning. Embrace them as opportunities for growth, and don’t let them discourage you. Instead, use them as motivation to keep pushing forward.
2. Your Body Will Feel Different Each Day
As you dive deeper into your dance practice, it’s crucial to recognize that your body will not feel the same every day. Factors such as fatigue, hydration, nutrition, and even stress can impact your performance. Some days you may feel light and agile, while others may feel heavier or less coordinated. Personally, I sometimes have days when I have to take a deep breath, and concentrate just to remember how to walk correctly. Think I’m kidding? I wish!
Listen to your body and honor its needs. Learn the difference between feeling lazy and needing a break. This awareness will not only help you improve as a dancer but also cultivate a healthier relationship with your body.
3. The Importance of Rest
Rest is an integral part of any fitness regimen, including dancing. As you increase your practice frequency and the complexity level of your dancing, your body will need time to recover. Overworking can lead to injuries and burnout, hampering your progress. Make it a point to include rest days in your schedule. Then stick to the schedule, even if you feel like practicing. Use the time to relax, stretch, or engage in gentle activities that promote recovery. My personal favorite is watching dance videos on youtube (while plumped down on the couch, like a lump). It allows me to still enjoy dance, but lets my body recover.
4. Nourish Your Body Wisely
If one of your dance goals is weight loss, or you simply care about feeling your best while dancing, remember that nutrition plays a significant role. It’s tempting to consider drastic diets or skipping meals, but this approach is counterproductive. Instead, focus on balanced meals that fuel your body for dance. Incorporate plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet. You may need to play around with a few adjustments to how and what you eat, as dance may cause you to change your eating schedule, or to get more hungry. Just like with exercise and rest, listen to your body, and feed it foods that will lead to sustained energy, not sugar spikes.
Personal tip: you may want to look into fermented foods and their effect on nutrition and overall wellbeing. It has been a game-changer for me.
5. If You Only Buy One Thing to Make Your Dancing Better…
This would not be an appropriate guide to dance, if it didn’t mention one of the best things about dance - outfits!
If you're reading this before going to your first dance class, remember that you don’t need to buy any special items. Just go in your workout clothes. Even if your studio requires special attire, most teachers will let you take your first class in whatever you have on, provided it is safe to dance in. If you are really unsure, contact the studio ahead of time to double check this is okay.
But if you are ready to commit, and are going to make one purchase for your dancing journey (just to celebrate!), let it be a good pair of dance shoes. Appropriate shoes are super important for both safety and performance. They provide the necessary support, grip, and flexibility that your feet need while dancing. What is appropriate will depend on your dance style, so talk to your dance teacher, other students in the class, the salesperson at the local dance store.
A word of caution: There is an overwhelming amount of options available online, but if at all possible, talk to a real human with dance experience before buying! I have seen five-star review on amazon by people with zero dance experience for shoes that are completely inappropriate for the dance style and/or level of dance they claim to be for. If online is your only option, at least make sure they are returnable before you order. Remember that seller’s description is often aimed at selling the item, not at keeping your safe and pain-free while dancing.
Final Thoughts
Committing to dance is a beautiful journey filled with expression, creativity, and personal growth. By keeping these tips in mind, you can navigate the challenges and joys of your new passion with confidence. Remember, every dancer was once a beginner, and with time, dedication, and the right mindset, you will flourish. Enjoy the rhythm, embrace the process, and let your passion for dance shine!
Please, feel free to share, ask questions, and comment with your own experience!
