What I Did Over Summer Vacation
If your dance teacher asks you to write an essay on this topic when you return to dance this fall, will you be able to fill your page with descriptions of dance related activities or... not so much. For those that continue dancing all through the year, good for you. However, if you attend a dance school that, like many, takes an extended break for the summer, this post may help you discover additional ways to spend your holiday (other than watching TV or summer blockbusters and sun-bathing). Don't get me wrong, enjoying a little deserved R&R after a long year of school, dance, and other activities is good for you (just be sure to wear sunblock, ok?), but setting aside some time to focus on dance will help you grow as a dancer and keep you from needing to brush-up or re-focus when you come back. Here are some ways you can include dance in your summer fun...
1. The "P" word - PRACTICE. Yes, there are things you can work on at home. If you are unsure about what you need to work on, how to set goals, or ways to achieve these goals, talk to your dance teacher and I'm sure he/she will be able to assist. Please be careful and attentive in your practice, however, and don't attempt anything that you have not already covered in class. Practicing something that you are not ready for, at the least, can form bad habits that will need to be broken and re-learned and, at worst, can lead to serious injury.
2. Attend a summer intensive or dance workshop. If your studio has its own workshops, great. There is value in seeking something elsewhere, however. You will not only keep up over the summer, but expand your dance experiences with instruction, choreography, and concepts from different teachers and meet other dancers that perhaps come from other schools or backgrounds. Some deadlines for admission to workshops have already passed, however it may still be worth looking for something this summer. Dancer Universe is a great resource for summer activites.
3. Go to a dance performance, or two, or more! (Your own recital doesn't count. Going to a friend's, well that's nice and all, but try a professional concert or a performance in a style with which you are unfamiliar for a change.) I can't stress enough how important it is for dance students to see live performances, and summer is a great time to do that. If your family goes on vacation, check out the local dance companies, festivals, and performances at your destination. One way to do that is with sites like citysearch.com.
4. Read and Rent. Visit the dance/performing arts section of your local public or university library and do some summer reading about your craft. Rent dance DVDs at your local video store (they sometimes have performance footage of famous or historic works available, so resist the temptation to rent Centre Stage or Dirty Dancing for the zillionth time) or try NetFlix.
Have a wonderful and safe summer, everyone.
Are there other ways that you could include dance in your summer activities?
Poll
| Votes: 7 | ||
| See the Results | Permalink to this Poll | More Polls |
|
What I Did Over Summer Vacation | 1 Comment | Post a Comment
|
In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.
If not, you can make an account by clicking right here. It's quick and free.
ADVERTISEMENT
Connect
Popular Topics
- Enthusiast (333)
- Teacher (289)
- Performance (253)
- Studio (220)
- Ballet (217)
- Parent (210)
- Tap (208)
- Jazz (185)
- Modern (185)
- Hip Hop (179)
- More Topics »
Photo Gallery
Recent Polls
- What was your New York debut like?
(0 votes) [Vote] - Will you dance when you're a senior citizen?
(9 votes) [Vote] - Would you work with someone who behaved unprofessionally again?
(5 votes) [Vote] - Have you ever performed at an Orlando Magic Game before?
(1 votes) [Vote] - What are some Classes that you offer that most studios don't?
(11 votes) [Vote] - More Polls »
Recent Blogs
Dancer Publishing Invades the UDMA Dance Resource and Costume Show! | 38 hits |
0
Review: San Francisco Ballet shows they have gained much from their 75 years | 41 hits |
0
**NEW** DANCE COMPETITION FOR DANCERS 18+ | 23 hits |
2
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Turnout | 41 hits |
2
The Pussycat Dolls- I Hate This Part (UK Single Video Premiere) | 206 hits |
0
Bring in 'da Savion | 39 hits |
0
Britney's New Video "Womanizer" | 1402 hits |
9
Guys and Dolls Revival | 75 hits |
0
What's It Like To Debut in New York? | 63 hits |
0
Online Auctions 201-Buy & Sell Dance Costumes | 107 hits |
0
Steps on Broadway Pointe Workshop | 70 hits |
0
Presidential Politics and the Arts | 95 hits |
2
Is your studio the best? | 144 hits |
0
Morphoses Review: Their Final evening at The New York City Center | 132 hits |
0
Auditons | 79 hits |
0
Most Read Blogs
So You Think You Can Dance - 2 Hour Premiere Tonight!! -- 6819 hits
What is "age appropriate" stage makeup? -- 5969 hits
Dance and Politics? How the 2008 Presidential Election May Affect YOU! -- 5492 hits
Survival Guide for Starting Your Dance Career. -- 3280 hits
Rhinestoning 101 - Embellishing Tips From Satin Stitches! -- 3187 hits
Nickelodeon: Get off the Couch and Dance! -- 3166 hits
Should Award Shows Provide Inspiration for Dance Costume Designs? -- 2667 hits
Patrick Swayze Cancer Rumors -- 2634 hits
Professional vs. Amateur Costume Design -- 2480 hits
Can We Afford "Throwaway" Dance Costumes Anymore? -- 2433 hits
Most Discussed
- A Rising Star --
x10 - Britney's New Video "Womanizer" --
x9 - So You Think You Can Dance - 2 Hour Premiere Tonight!! --
x8 - Round 1 is here! Who is making it to Round 2? --
x7 - Check out tap choreographer Mark Yonally --
x7 - Contemporary? --
x7 - Dance and Politics? How the 2008 Presidential Election May Affect YOU! --
x6 - Against All Odds --
x5 - Scandal: Plagiarism --
x5 - Britney Teaches Dance Class for Kids --
x5


add to facebook