It’s that time of year again when everyone is making New Year’s goals to transform themselves into a better version.  

As dancers, you have an advantage because your passion for dance motivates you to improve constantly. However, sometimes, we set ourselves up for failure by making unrealistic resolutions that are hard to keep. The key to success is to set simple resolutions and take baby steps toward achieving them. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of twelve New Year’s goals you can make this year to become a better dancer and person! 

Focus on your health. 

Take charge of your well-being by putting yourself first and prioritizing self-care and mental health this year. Invest in activities that promote self-care, such as: 

• Physical therapy 
• Nourishing your body with healthy foods 
• Nurturing your spirituality 
• Staying hydrated
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule 
• Soaking at night 
• Treating yourself to a soothing foam roller or getting a spa massage 

Remember, you can’t give to others unless you first care for yourself, so embrace self-care and prioritize your health. 

Hand out genuine compliments. 

Appreciate the power of genuine compliments! While it’s great to give everyone a general pat on the back, there’s something truly special about taking a moment to acknowledge someone’s efforts in detail. Opening up and expressing sincere compliments might initially make you feel vulnerable. But once you start practicing this uplifting habit, you’ll be amazed at its wonderful impact on both the recipient and you. Let the power of appreciation empower your connections and spread positivity all around!   

Dance outside the studio more. 

Discover the true freedom of dance! While we all cherish the comfort of a studio, it’s time to break free from its limitations. Dancing isn’t confined to four walls – it’s about unleashing your inner rhythm, no matter where you are! Feel the music, let your thoughts flow, and embrace the beat anywhere and everywhere. From clubs to kitchens, cars to grocery stores, give in to the irresistible urge to move and groove. Dance like nobody’s watching because the world is your dance floor! 

Work on your flexibility.  

Having great flexibility is crucial for any dancer looking to elevate their craft. Not only does it prevent injuries, but it also helps to improve overall abilities. Luckily, there are plenty of online resources available to help improve flexibility. These resources provide a variety of helpful tips and tutorials on various stretching techniques that can be adapted to different skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, incorporating flexibility-focused workouts into your routine can make all the difference in your performance. So, go ahead and give it a try. You’ll be amazed at the results. 

Improve your strength.  

Strength training is essential for improving endurance and preventing injuries. While many people think of strength training as simply lifting heavy weights, it’s important to remember that this kind of training can actually help with flexibility and mobility as well. Incorporating strength exercises into your routine can help build up the muscles and joints critical for supporting your body during intense physical activity.

Furthermore, a balanced approach to strength training can also help improve your flexibility, ensuring your body can move safely and efficiently through a full range of motion. So, if you’re serious about boosting your endurance and reducing your injury risk, consider adding strength training exercises to your next workout routine. 

PRO TIP: Yoga can help and should be added to your New Year’s Goals! Click here to learn more.

Stay positive. 

The power of language is undeniable, your words can shape your reality. So, take a moment to reflect on your daily conversations. Are you constantly complaining and expressing negativity? If so, you might be unknowingly creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.  

Think about it: When we focus on the negative and consistently voice our discontent, we usually become unhappy. But don’t worry, because the opposite is also true! We can invite positivity and success into our lives by consciously choosing positive language and adopting an optimistic mindset. It’s time to harness the power of your words and create the life you desire. 

Take quality breaks when you need them. 

Take care of yourself this year, and don’t risk further injury or burnout by pushing through. Listen to your body and mind; they will tell you when it’s time for a break. Don’t stress about the time away, and embrace the idea of taking time off to recharge. The result? You’ll return with renewed energy and full speed ahead!  

Stop comparing yourself to others.  

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, but this can ultimately hinder your progress, especially when developing new skills like dance. Each person has a unique journey and path to success; therefore, comparing yourself to someone else is like comparing apples to oranges. Instead, focus on your own progress and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Embrace your differences in your approach, and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. With hard work and patience, progress will come. So, take a deep breath, let go of comparing, and enjoy becoming the best version of yourself. 

Experiment with different dance styles.  

As a dancer, you always strive to improve and grow. One way to do that is by trying out different dance styles. It may seem overwhelming at first, but experimenting with different techniques will help you find your unique style and improve your versatility. If you limit yourself to one style, you may miss out on the opportunity to learn new movements or ways to express yourself. Why not try something new and see where it takes you? You might discover a hidden talent or a newfound love for a style you never thought you’d enjoy. The possibilities are endless when you’re open to exploring different styles. 

Focusing on stretching. 

Stretching is a vital aspect of physical activity, especially in dance, and should be one of your top New Year’s goals. Flexibility is key in executing moves smoothly and with grace. Not only does stretching aid in improving flexibility, but it also helps prevent injury. Dancing requires many movements involving twisting, jumping, and turning. With a proper stretch routine before and after dancing, your body is better prepared to handle these motions and decrease the risk of strains and sprains. So, next time you hit the dance floor, take a few minutes to stretch your muscles and prevent any potential injuries. 

Collaborate with other dancers.  

Collaborating with other dancers can be an incredibly valuable experience. Sharing your craft with others allows you to learn from one another and can also lead to improving your skills as a team. One of the key benefits of working with other dancers is the opportunity to develop your skill and technique. By watching others and trying new techniques together, you may find that you can stretch further than you ever thought possible. In addition, collaborating with others in the dance community can help you break out of your comfort zone and discover new movements that you can integrate into your own practice. Ultimately, dancing with others is a fantastic way to challenge yourself and grow as a performer. 

Have some fun!  

Remember why you started dancing in the first place, and enjoy the journey.  The power of dancing is undeniable, it can transport you to another world where anything is possible. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, it’s important always to remember why you started dancing in the first place. Maybe it was to express yourself or to challenge yourself in a new way. Whatever the reason, hold onto that feeling and embrace the journey ahead. Dancing is meant to be fun, so don’t always get caught up in the technicalities that you forget to enjoy the moment. 

Becoming a better dancer doesn’t have to feel like an unreachable goal. With these New Year’s goals, you can take baby steps toward your goals and achieve success with time and effort. Remember to care for yourself, set realistic goals, and maintain a positive attitude to become a better dancer and person. Here’s to a fantastic year of dance and growth! 

Are you or your child ready to try dance in the new year and set some not so typical New Year’s goals? Contact the dance experts at Evolution Dance Complex today!