3 Ways to Add More Mindfulness into Your Dance Journey

You have probably heard it said that dance is a great way to stay in shape and feel good, but when we are aiming for professional-level training, some of those feel-good experiences may turn sour.

These mindful practices are nothing new for dancers. In fact, we use them regularly during classes, but to bring attention and to notice allows for a more functional tool. 

I wrote this post to share a few ways you can tap into mindful practices without needing to add any extra training to your schedule. 

Breath

We all need to breathe in order to stay alive. But how often do you think about your breath? How often do you notice the power? 

Try this:

When you find yourself becoming fatigued during an exercise class, try to focus on slowing your exhale while channeling the energy into where it feels rough. 

Tapping Check-in 

How often have you been physically in a dance class but mentally someplace else? Or how about this one, you are present in the class and thinking about the exercises, but also criticizing your own dancing while you are practicing. 

Try this:

When you notice yourself in a place of overthinking, give yourself a small double tap someplace on your body. You can link this tap with a message to come back. 

Eyes Closed

Have you ever found that you are able to perform just fine in a dance class, but once you get home, you can’t remember any of the combinations or exercises? It’s likely you don’t actually know what you’re doing in the class, and you are watching others and relying on their presence. 

 The good news is that noticing what you don’t know is actually a mindfulness practice. 

And even better news is you don’t have to wait until you go home to realize that you have forgotten a portion of the combination. You can find those gaps during class and take action to fill in the gaps before you get home so you have something more solid to anchor your practice. 

Try this: 

When learning a new combination, take a moment to close your eyes and visualize the movement in your mind. It’s likely you won’t get through the entire combination on the first try, but you will find the blank spots. 

These are a few ways to add more mindfulness to your dance practice. Try them out during your next dance class, and remember to have fun with them!