Keep Calm & Dance On: Tips for At Home Dance Training

Tips for At Home Dance Training

Dancers are true gladiators, we train, we sweat, and we never give up. Which is why when we are out of the dance studio or off the stage due to an injury, bad weather, illness or anything else that might keep us from getting to our second home, we do whatever it takes to keep up our dance practice and training. Try out these at home dance training tips the next time you have a rainy day.

Let’s Just Dance!

There are plenty of ways to dance right in your very own home. Sometimes we need a motivator or some guidance to help us get started. Shake things up and try out a Youtube dance tutorial video, yoga video or even the super fun video game “Just Dance”. If you don’t like dancing alone, ask your friends and family to join in! Plus, this is a great way to warm up and get your heart pumping. *If you’re injured, be sure to modify your practice as recommended by your physician or dance teacher. Even if you are practicing your routines from a chair or lying on a mat, every little bit counts!

Take Your Dance Vitamins!

Amongst all the fun dance videos and games, don’t forget to take your dance vitamins! When you are away from your dance teachers for an extended period of time, it can be easy to forget the areas in your practice that you need to work on. So make sure to take your key dance vitamins; turnout, foot strengthening & stretching, flexibility, core stability and balance. Just 15 minutes each day of conditioning practice makes a big difference when you have to go back to the studio. For some basic conditioning exercises, check out our basic Mindful Movement conditioning exercises.

Stretch it Out

If you stop dancing for a while, your muscles can get tight and stiff. Try and practice a stretch routine for at least 15 minutes a day after doing some physical activity, that way your muscles will be nice and warm. If you aren’t doing much moving and dancing at home, it’s important to practice stretches in motion rather than static stretches. For more stretching tips, read our article, Stretching Tips for Dancers.

Time to be the Teacher

One of the best ways to remember your dance exercises, routines and choreography from class is to teach it to someone else. Try teaching what you know to your friends and family. Remember to be patient and kind, but don’t let your students slack behind!

Fuel Your Body

Even though you might not be as physically active as when you are in the dance studio, it’s important to keep fuelling your body with delicious and nutritious foods. Naturally, your body will adjust and you may notice a change in your level of hunger if you exert less energy than normal. But no matter what, make sure that you always stay hydrated!

At home dance training can be a great chance for you to practice what you know and get creative with your training. Before you know it, you’ll be back on your feet and in the studios in no time!