Chicago Dance Supply-Dance Shoes and Apparel for Men, Women and Children-Dancers resolutions

Keeping Your New Year's Dance Resolutions

I came into work on January 2nd expecting a nice, quiet day. The holiday rush of dancers needing last minute supplies for "The Nutcracker," and family and friends searching for that perfect holiday gift for the dancer was over. Who could possibly need dancewear right after New Year's Day? So, imagine my surprise when customer after customer approached me so shyly and sweetly: "Hi. I need dance shoes…but I've never danced before."

Tips to Make it Stick

First of all, kudos to all of you who have made the new years resolution to make dance part of your life, whether you're starting your very first dance class or getting back into it. Dance is a great form or exercise and artistry to keep your body and soul fit through the winter months.
But like so many New Year's resolutions and promises we make to ourselves—what happens in a few months? Here are a few tips that will help you stick to your new year's resolution:

- Don't go overboard. Especially for experienced dancers who have made the resolution to go back to class and get back in to shape, set a realistic schedule for yourself. It might sound like a great idea to take three classes a day, seven days a week—you'll be in peak form in no time! But ask yourself if this is a realistic schedule. Can your body keep up with it? Are you still going to be taking all those classes a few weeks from now, or are you going to burn out? Resolve to set a sustainable schedule that you can work with.
- Be patient. Dance is very rewarding, but it also takes time to train the body. Especially for brand new dancers, whether you're taking class recreationally, to fulfill a childhood dream, or because you have aspirations of being a dancer, be patient with yourself. Results are seen over the course of months and years.
- Listen to your body. When you are working hard and developing new muscle groups and flexibility, your body also needs time to heal. Also, increasing the number of classes that you are taking, or starting a new physical endeavor will mean that your caloric needs will increase. Make sure that your diet is keeping up with your new year's resolution.
- Stay inspired. Inevitably, a few weeks or months down the line when you start to feel a little less motivated to go to class—remind yourself of why you started dancing. Remember how you felt when you made the resolution to start dancing? How excited you felt and how much you were looking forward to getting in to the studio? Refresh your perspective.
- Have fun! As I often tell my students, if your aspirations in dance involve doing it as a full-time profession, you best find a way to enjoy it to the fullest. And if your aspirations in dance are recreational, then you best find a way to enjoy it to the fullest! Try to get to know the people in your class—you'll be much more motivated to go regularly if you are familiar with your classmates.

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