5 Things for Parents to Remember!
As we get ready to re-enter the studio, there are ways that parents can support their dancers through the transition. Here are 5 ways you can help your dancer!
- Expect Emotions. New seasons, fresh starts, a change in class placement, or exploring a different routine can spark a range of emotions including excitement, worry, curiosity, grief, or optimism. Emotions don’t need fixing; they need to be felt. Take a few deep breaths together!
- Champion a Growth Mindset. The first weeks back can feel wobbly, with sore bodies, tired minds from classes and new choreography, a lot of social stimulation as they reconnect with teachers and peers. Remind your dancer that perfection is not required. Encourage and celebrate small, daily goals.
- Trust the teachers. They know what they are doing! Educated, seasoned dance teachers are experts in long-term growth and development. It is their job to ensure a balance of safety, challenge, and support. If your dancer has feelings around their placement in a class or even a dance, deciding whether or not they “like” where they are, remind them that it is early in the creation process. Encourage them to embrace their role as a student and team member, and to contribute positive energy to the room!
- Prioritize sleep. Sleep improves emotional regulation, attention, learning, memory, creativity, energy levels and overall mental and physical health. To be our best, we need to be purposeful and protect rest.
- Share why you support their love of dance. Tell your dancer how you see the pursuit of dance aligning with your family values. Express how awesome it is to see their commitment and dedication. Yell from the rooftops just how proud you are of them (even if they roll their eyes)!
{Thank you to Lauren Ritchie, dance educator and mental health advocate in dance, for the inspiration for this post!}
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