Summertime means no school…so more time to dance!  But remember it’s also called summer vacation for a reason.  It’s important to take a break from dance classes and summer intensives for a number of reasons.  Here are just a few:

Rest your body.  Dancing year-round can sometimes lead to overuse injuries and exhaustion.  Though it might sound counter-productive, resting is just as important as training.  You can keep your body moving with a yoga flow or some simple stretching, but don’t feel guilty to take a break from your technique classes and intense rehearsals.  Trust us—you’ll feel much more energized when you jump back in the studio! 

Spend time with family and friends.  Dance class and competition team rehearsals can take over your schedule during the year.  Summer break is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your family and reconnect with friends outside of dance.

Get some vitamin D.  As dancers, we spend so much time indoors whether at a dance studio, convention center, or performance theater.  Slap on the sunscreen and get outdoors this summer to soak up some vitamin D from the sun.  Vitamin D helps your body metabolize and absorb calcium and phosphorus and also it also has mood-boosting properties!

Take a mental break.  Whether you’re on a beach vacation with your family, visiting Mickey and Minnie at Disneyland, or relaxing at home this summer, it’s important to also take a little mental break from dance.  Our industry can be stressful and the pressure to be perfect in auditions, rehearsals, class, and performances can take a toll on your mental health.  Use these summer months to spend time doing things you love with people you love.  Dive into a good book, ride a bike, pack a picnic, jump in the pool, stay up late (and sleep in), and just chill out!

Come back 110%.  After a vacation, you’ll come back to dance class and competition rehearsal rejuvenated and ready to go!  Of course, you might spend some of your summer at a dance intensive or taking a few classes but giving your body and mind a break is the best formula for a strong comeback in the fall!

Are you going on vacation this summer?  We want to hear about it!  Share your travels with us in the comments section below.