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4 Ways Dance Can Help Students Transition into the New School Year

08.01.2023

Summer is a time of relaxation, fun, and carefree days, but as the season draws to a close, everyone is preparing for a new school year.

For dancers, the transition can be even more challenging. After spending long summer days at dance intensives, attending summer camps, or simply enjoying dance classes, switching to school mode can feel daunting and even anxiety-provoking. So, how can we help our young dancers transition back into the school year? Let Evolution Dance Complex provide tips and tools to help you and your child adjust to the upcoming school year. 

Dance provides discipline and structure. 

Reestablishing the daily routine is one of the most significant challenges of transitioning from summer to school. During the summer, your child may have been used to staying up late and sleeping in, but now is the time to reimplement early bedtimes and morning routines. Parents should work with their children to establish a structured routine and stick to it as closely as possible. This means setting regular bedtimes, morning routines, and homework schedules. Create a timetable that includes all the daily and weekly obligations, such as:

  • Dance classes and lessons
  • Homework
  • Tutoring
  • Work
  • Other extracurriculars
  • Leisure and social activities

This can provide structure and discipline that helps young dancers get into the school year groove. 

Dance can maintain and build focus. 

Maintaining focus during the school year can be challenging but essential for academic success and dance progress. Children must learn to balance their dance, homework, and leisure time to maintain focus. Parents should encourage their children to take short breaks between activities to recharge and refocus. As dancers, taking regular breaks throughout the day can be particularly helpful in improving concentration, energy, and creativity during class and rehearsal. Since dancers are used to trying to maintain focus during learning choreography or in performance, this will make the transition into the classroom easier. Parents should support their children by nurturing their other interests, supporting good sleep habits, and ensuring healthy nutrition. 

[Need some tips for managing your time as a bust dancer? Click here!]

It will encourage flexibility of mind and body. 

Young dancers are often pushed towards perfectionism, which can be a double-edged sword. While striving for excellence is admirable, it can also create anxiety and rigidity that can limit growth and progress. The new academic year presents an opportunity for dancers to embrace the flexibility of mind and body. Encourage your child to try new things, take risks, and participate in activities that challenge them. The more diverse the experiences are, the more open-minded and adaptable they will be. Additionally, incorporating stretching and flexibility exercises into daily routines can support a dancer’s ability to move, perform, and progress. 

Supports creativity and imagination. 

Finally, as dancers, creativity and imagination are essential components of the art form. During the school year, dancers can become overburdened with academic and dance-related tasks, leaving little time for creative exploration and personal growth. As a dance parent, carve out some time in your child’s schedule to explore creative pursuits, such as writing, drawing, or painting. Encourage their artistic endeavors and praise their effort, creativity, and risk-taking. This will foster a positive, creative mindset to help dancers navigate the challenging days. 

Transitioning from summer to the school year can be a struggle for young dancers and their parents. But with these tips, dancers can make a smooth transition back into the school year and continue to grow academically and artistically. Providing discipline and structure, maintaining focus, encouraging flexibility of mind and body, and supporting creativity and imagination can all help young dancers excel in the upcoming academic year. Parents should work with their children to establish routines, balance academic and dance pursuits, and foster a positive and supportive environment that will sustain them throughout the year.