Balancing Dance and Academics
Many of us are addicted to dance and would happily pour every ounce of our time and energy into this wonderful and fulfilling part of our lives. However, it’s also important to simultaneously remain focused on our education. Successfully balancing a full dance schedule and academics is absolutely achievable. It just takes some thoughtful planning. So how do we get homework done and study for tests while still leaving time to practice choreography and technique? Here are some helpful tips to balance dance lessons and academics.
Keep Your Schedule Organized
School and dance are both practically full-time jobs, leaving you with little free time. To help you keep your life in order, make sure you use a planner or organizational app on your phone. As soon as you learn the deadline for a school assignment or an upcoming test date, add it to your schedule. Plug your dance lessons into your calendar as well, especially when you have extra practices leading up to a performance, so you never miss a rehearsal.
Study with Your Dance Friends
Odds are some of your teammates go to the same school you do. You may even have classes together. If so, help each other by studying together between dance lessons. This is a great use of your limited spare time, and you may find it easier to study together than to focus on school work all alone.
Recognize Signs of Burnout
As an avid participant in extracurricular activities, it’s easy to end up with too much on your plate. Balancing school and dance lessons is one thing, but what about family, friends, your job and the other activities you’re involved with? No one can do it all! If you don’t have time for everything, don’t let the stress get the best of you. Go easy on yourself and if you have an activity scheduled in that you could consider putting aside for now, consider how you might be able to clear some of those items from your schedule.
Talk to Your Friends
If you are ever feeling overwhelmed with your schedule, remember that you have a whole group of dancers surrounding you who will understand and can be a listening ear. We dancers stick together and can support each other when one of us is going through a challenge. That is one of the most incredible things about being part of a dance program. Remember to reach out to your friends when you need them. Chances are a good chat with your dancing friends will leave you feeling a new sense of energy and give you the reboot that you need.
Dance Academy USA offers numerous dance styles and class times to fit with your busy schedule. To sign up for dance lessons in Cupertino, California, please feel free to call or email us so that we may assist you with program selection.