Beat The After-Christmas Blues

December 25, 2016

For all those that celebrate, we hope you had a fabulous holiday! Today, some of you may already be headed straight back to Nutcracker madness (we got you), but others might actually have a few days off (woo!). Now that the festivities are over and the excitement is dying down, there’s a seemingly-endless (and dance class-less) winter break stretched out ahead of you. Cue, the inevitable #breakboredom.

(We feel you, Emma. SAME.)

But, don’t worry! Dance Spirit is here to keep you occupied (and productive) with our list of dancer-approved activities. From endless inspiration from your fave dance celebs to the best ways to reset your body, you’ll head back to the studio in 2017 feeling refreshed and motivated.

1. Let yourself relax!

Seriously, dancers work SUPER hard all yearyou deserve to lounge around. It’s perfectly acceptable to binge-watch dance video after dance video like this. This. And THIS. Make sure to let any nagging sore muscles or injuries get fully rested so they can heal. Try out these restorative yoga and meditation exercises to reset your body or pamper your tired, overworked feet with this simple soak.

2. Do some winter cleaning.

Break is the perfect time to finally clean out, organize and restock your dance bag with all the essentials. Not only does it get a little (A LOT) smelly, but you’re probably also lugging around tons of stuff you don’t even need. And don’t forget your make-up bag! Did you know mascara expires after only 6 weeks? Once you rid yourself of all your old products, check out the ones these pros swear by for their stage-perfect looks.

3. Try out new recipes.

Get a jump on your New Year nutrition plan by discovering a few new, delicious recipes. Experiment with these yummy smoothie combos to find your fave go-to or learn how to bake these healthy homemade energy bars. By the time 2017 rolls around you’ll be a pro at making healthy, on-the-go treats to eat before class or rehearsal.

4. Get inspired.

It’s super important to let your body rest over break, but it’s also important to let your mind rest, too. Let go of any criticism you took too personally last year and relinquish yourself from the pressure to be perfectwe can’t grow as artists if our minds are crowded with negativity. Then, take a scroll through our Letter to My Teenage Self archives. It’s a magical place where all of our favorite dance celebs (Teddy Forance! Stella Abrera! Michelle Dorrance!) open up and share their best advice, insight and wisdom. You’ll hit the studio fully motivated to become the best that you can be.

5. Learn something new.

Did you know that flamenco dancers are known for having insane musicality? Or that belly dance can inspire self confidence and celebrates femininity? Take a trip around the dance world and read our fascinating stories about everything from Irish to West African dance. Or learn about what contemporary dance looks like in other countries (hint: it looks pretty dang awesome).

6. Refine your 2017 #goals.

Feeling newly rested and motivated? Then it’s a great time to reevaluate where you’re atand where you want to be next year. Picture what your perfect 2017 dance year looks like, and write down specific ways you can accomplish it. Think about the things you want to improve on, or the gigs you want to book. Planning on making the move to NYC? Read about what these NYC newbies wished someone had told them first. Wanting to take class in LA? Learn all the cool dancer hot spots in our L.A. guide. Or maybe you’re just hoping to make the jump from convention attendee to assistant. Whatever your 2017 goals are, we’ve been thereand have all the tips and tricks that’ll help you succeed.

Happy break dancers!


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