Blog Post
Happy Wednesday IHD Family! Here we are in the middle of another studio closure. Although we are away from the studio there are many skills we can take from our dance lessons into our every day life and particularly in periods of isolation. These skills can help us feel more joyful, more productive and more at peace if we tap into them. These are all things you've practiced over and over again in the studio. Here are a couple of things learnt in dance class that you can take beyond the studio.
Activity as Medicine
Every dancer has probably experienced a day where they have been in a sour mood before they got to the studio but left class feeling rejuvenated and in a much better mood. Moving your body and exercise produces endorphins that can literally make you happier. When you're in a dark place, or feeling down we encourage you to get moving. Particularly when we're out of our regular schedule or away from our comfort zone or experiencing longer hours of screen time, like we are in lockdown adding activity to your day can make a major difference in how your body and your mind feel. Put on your favourite song and dance around the room. Take your dog for a walk. Find a yoga or pilates video online. Some days it might be difficult to get moving but just think back to the feeling of leaving your favourite dance class and you might find the motivation.
Connection
One thing we've learned over the past couple of years is how isolating these lockdowns can be. We go from seeing our friends, teachers, peers and family members all the time to very little or not at all. Whether or not you see yourself this way, dancers are extremely well practiced in connecting with other people. When we are in the studio together, we move around each other seamlessly, we share the space, we encourage and support each other in obvious and less obvious ways. How can we take these stills into lockdown or out of the studio? When you are out of the house you can use the spatial awareness you've practiced during formation changes to navigate keeping distance to those around you. From home you can reach out to encourage your friends or teachers and brighten their day even with a simple thank you, like we end each dance class. Don't forget about the friends and connections you've made at the studio. They will be there when you need them.
Attention to Detail
As dancer's we spend hours thinking of or perfecting a single dance step. This attention to detail can serve you in so many aspects of your life. Whether it's learning to follow a recipe to cook for your family in lockdown or finding the discipline to do quality school work at home, you already have the skills to do it. Apply the same enthusiasm, technique and attention you spend on learning a new skill or choreography to other aspects of your life and success is sure to come.
Time for Joy
Think back to why you started dance class or what keeps you coming back. A big reason is likely the joy it brings you. When we sign up for dance class we are carving out time in our schedule for something that makes us happy. In times where your schedule is disrupted it is so important to continue to find these moments. When you are planning or thinking about each day make sure to always include something that brings you joy. At home during lockdown, it can still be taking time to dance, or maybe reading a book, spending time with family or Facetiming a friend. Make sure you are taking time for things that bring you joy.
Discipline
Every dance class includes some level of discipline. From the way we enter and exit class, keep control of our schedule and respect our teammates and teachers, we are displaying discipline. This discipline can benefit so many different aspects of your life but can be particularly helpful in times of difficult times of change. Make sure you are are ensuring you are showing respect for the people who continue to help you with your life, keeping up with your school and dance schedule and making time to fulfill all your obligations. At the end of the day you will feel more productive and accomplished and will continue to gain the respect of those around you.
We are so eager to be back dancing together in the studio but we know the skills we have gained, the lessons we've learned and the friendships we've made extend far beyond the dance floor. We are using these things to help us get through this difficult time and we hope you can too. Try to be active, find moments of connection and joy and use the discipline you've practiced in the studio and hopefully this lockdown will fly by!
