The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on accomplishments and set new goals. For young dancers, it’s an opportunity to dream big, refine their skills, and reignite their passion for dance. As a parent, you play an essential role in helping your child turn these goals into achievable steps while ensuring they feel motivated and supported. From setting small milestones to celebrating progress, here are some ideas for New Year’s resolutions that will inspire young dancers and tips for parents to encourage their success.
1. Focus on Technique
Improving technique is one of the most valuable goals for dancers of any level. Whether it’s perfecting a plié in ballet, mastering sharp arm movements in hip-hop, or nailing footwork in tap, focusing on technique builds a strong foundation for growth. Encourage your child to pick one specific technical element to work on this year. It could be improving posture, balance, or flexibility.
Sit down with your child and help them choose a realistic goal based on feedback from their dance teachers. You can also assist by setting aside a few minutes each day for your child to stretch or practice at home, turning it into a fun, bonding routine.
2. Build Strength and Flexibility
Dance requires strength, endurance, and flexibility, all of which can be improved over time. Setting goals like holding a plank for a longer duration, increasing splits flexibility, or building stamina through conditioning exercises can make a noticeable difference in their dance performance.
Support your child by creating a schedule for consistent at-home practice or signing them up for supplemental activities like yoga or pilates. These are excellent for building strength and flexibility in a safe, low-impact way.
3. Set Performance Goals
Performances and competitions offer dancers a chance to showcase their hard work and progress. Encourage your child to set a performance-related goal, such as dancing with more confidence on stage, improving their stage presence, or learning to manage pre-show nerves.
Attend rehearsals and performances whenever possible to show your support. Celebrate your child’s effort and progress rather than just the outcome, and remind them that every performance is an opportunity to learn and grow.
4. Embrace New Dance Styles
Trying a new dance style can push your child outside their comfort zone and help them become a more versatile dancer. Whether it’s exploring jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, or tap, learning a new style develops coordination, rhythm, and creativity.
Discuss with your child and their instructor what new styles might be a good fit for their interests and skills. Encourage them to sign up for a new class or participate in a summer camp that offers a mix of dance genres.
5. Cultivate a Positive Mindset
Dance can sometimes be physically and mentally demanding. One of the best resolutions your child can make is to cultivate a positive mindset. This includes being kind to themselves, learning from mistakes, and staying motivated even during challenging times.
Be your child’s biggest cheerleader. Remind them that progress takes time, and it’s okay to make mistakes as long as they keep trying. Praise their effort and perseverance to help them build confidence and resilience.
6. Balance Dance and Life
While dance is a significant part of your child’s life, it’s also important to maintain a healthy balance. Encourage your child to set goals for rest, recovery, and hobbies outside of dance to prevent burnout.
Work with your child to create a balanced schedule that includes time for schoolwork, family, and friends, as well as plenty of rest. Prioritizing downtime will help your young dancer stay happy and energized throughout the year.
Cheering Your Child On in the New Year
As the new year begins, supporting your child in setting and achieving dance-related goals can make a world of difference. Encourage them to dream big, break their goals into manageable steps, and celebrate every achievement, big or small. With your guidance and support, your young dancer will feel empowered to reach new heights in their dance journey while building discipline, confidence, and a love for the art that lasts a lifetime.
Reach Your Goals With Nan’s Dance!
At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.
We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!
Don’t forget to register!
From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!
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