6 New Year’s Dance Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep
It’s one thing to put “earn a convention scholarship” or “master fouettés” on your list of resolutions for 2022—and those are certainly worthy accomplishments to work toward. But if aiming for such major wins feels a tad ambitious, try adding a few resolutions focused on simply improving your mindset in the new year. In other words, set your sights on positive changes that you can make all on your own.
Learn to accept praise
Ever find yourself downplaying or rejecting compliments? Say you just completed a quad pirouette, but your landing could have been cleaner. If your response to your dance besties cheering you on is to roll your eyes or immediately point out what you did wrong, consider changing your habits this year. Research shows that accepting praise can improve your brain’s ability to perform and retain new skills. So if you can’t say something nice to yourself, at least let others do it for you. And take a second to savor that proud, accomplished feeling. You deserve it!
Try something new
This resolution is a classic for a reason. You never know if trying yoga, aerial arts, or ballroom for the first time could lead to a newfound passion. Moving your body in different ways can even bring new dimensions to your dancing.
“Steal” inspiration
It’s natural to scan the room during a dance class or audition and feel awed by (or even jealous of) the dancers around you. In 2022, try reframing envy as inspiration. Impressed by his improv skills? Pinpoint what specifically stands out to you, and incorporate it into your own choices. Wish your arabesque line were as high as hers? Use that twinge of jealousy as motivation to stretch more consistently outside of class.
Clean out your dance bag
A new year is a great time to start fresh, right? Leave last year’s mess in the past by ruthlessly purging your dance bag of unnecessary items. Your 2022 self will thank you for prioritizing simplicity.
Read up on dance history
Pay your respects to whose footsteps you’re dancing in by researching dance history. There are plenty of free online resources with videos, or you could switch out your normal binge-watching for a documentary once in a while. Better yet, queue up an educational film and watch while doing your at-home stretching routine. Watching the best perform their craft—and learning the history behind what you do in the studio—can only help you improve.
Stay fueled and hydrated
Make a resolution to not get hangry during long rehearsals in 2022. Keep your energy up this year by learning when to eat throughout the day. And finally, make sure to keep plenty of cool bottled water on hand in your dance bag. Keeping your mind and body hydrated will free up mental energy that’s better spent on becoming the best dancer you can be.
