Self Care for Dancers

Self Care.

The phrase means something different to everyone. In the age of #SelfCare, misconceptions about self care are abundant across all social media platforms. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a good thing that more and more people are normalizing healthy habits. But self care goes far beyond face masks and bubble baths. Especially for dancers, true self care is a way to build and maintain day-to-day habits that boost your physical and mental strength. Self care is not always easy, but investing in yourself makes you a happier person, better dancer, and more knowledgeable teacher: it’s worth it!

Use Positive Language:

Dancers are unbelievably harsh on themselves. So much so that culture within the world of dance is one of self deprecation. Dancers have a tendency to offer criticism of themselves before anyone else, or to internalize any criticisms given. We’ve all said “I’m so off my leg today” or “I’m having a fat day” at least once before, but it’s phrases like this that are contributing to negative self image within the studio. Talk to yourself the way you might talk to a younger dancer: be encouraging, kind, and understanding. Use language to boost other’s confidence and foster a positive environment among your friends. Whether you are addressing another person or thinking these thoughts in your head during petite allegro, do not offer negative comments about your own dancing or anyone else’s.

Cross-Train

Working out outside of class is not only necessary for the longevity of a dancer’s body, but it’s fulfilling. Exercise does not require a mirror, self criticism, or anyone’s opinion. Exercising outside of class is a great way to set goals and achieve them, boosting your self confidence. Further, exercise can be used to improve body image and train your mind to be proud of the strength your body has. Somatic practices such as pilates and yoga are popular among dancers because they build strength in key areas such as the abdominals and glutes but have low impact on joints.

Set Boundaries with Dance

Is all of your free time dedicated to working out, stretching your feet, and perfecting your French twist? Do you only listen to classical music? Do your days consist of eat, dance, sleep, repeat?

They shouldn't.

As a dancer, you need to give yourself permission to have other passions and to take breaks. To be a dancer is to be an artist, and to

be an artist is to be vulnerable and open to experience.

See that concert, eat that cake, surf those waves, code that program.

Let your identity as a human influence your existence within the studio, not the other way around.