Self-Care for Dance Teachers During the Summer

Ah, summer. A time of rest and relaxation! Or at least that's how it should be for busy dance teachers like us, who usually teach quite a bit over the school year. 

The summer months can be especially hard to manage as they come with questions about what we should do with our newfound free time (or schedule change, I should say). Should we go on vacation? Should we take classes ourselves or use the opportunity to spend more time learning new skills? Taking some prep time might also be beneficial if you plan on teaching intensives during the summer months or need a refresher in class basics and techniques. 

No matter what your plans are this summer, chances are you will find something useful here — this blog post will cover how teachers can best prepare themselves for their upcoming intensives, explore other opportunities, and even pick up side gigs if needed! Let's dive into some tips and tricks that will help make sure all your (dancing) dreams this summer come true.

Preparing for Dance Intensives 

If you’re preparing to teach a dance intensive, having a plan in place can make a world of difference. Whether it's your first or fifteenth intensive, you want to ensure you give your mind and body the best chance to succeed. 

Start by setting goals for yourself and your students, such as mastering a specific technique or improving musicality. Be sure to have enough lesson material to keep your students engaged all summer. Summer intensive schedules are often ... intense. Create a solid plan for your students to challenge them without wearing them out. Challenge yourself to get creative with your lessons and break away from your normal routine to change things up for your students. 

If you need extra inspiration for your classes, check out Dance Studio Syllabus lesson plans to ensure you are always prepared this summer.

Continued Education 

Continuing your education as a teacher is one of the best ways to ensure you're providing your students the best possible education. Whether you attend a masterclass on pedagogy, participate in a professional intensive, or network with other teachers, you'll gain valuable insights and learn new techniques to help you become a more effective instructor. 

Educational opportunities can also teach you about injury prevention in the classroom and certification programs that can further boost your credentials as an educator (which is a great way to leverage a pay raise, by the way). So why not invest in your own professional development and attend a teacher expo or other educational event? Your students will thank you for it!

Performing 

If you're looking to build up your performing resume, audition for local events, showcases, and gigs this summer. If you find yourself with free time this summer, consider reaching out to dance summer camps in your area as a guest artist or arrange a masterclass. 

Remember to utilize online resources, such as Facebook groups, to find additional performance opportunities. The more experience you gain, the more impressive your resume will look to potential employers or clients.

Getting another job 

As a dance teacher, if you find yourself teaching less than you normally do this summer, it's understandable that you might want or need extra income to supplement your regular income. Fortunately, there are so many options available to you. 

Consider getting a part-time or summer job that can fit around your schedule. Not only will this provide you with extra income, but it can also be a great way to break up your routine and try something new. Plus, who knows? You might even discover a new passion or skill along the way. So go ahead and explore some options beyond the dance studio – you never know where they might take you.

Staying active and creative 

Summer can be a season of fun and relaxation, but it's also a great time to challenge ourselves creatively and physically. If you're looking for ways to stay active and engage your creative muscles, consider starting your own choreography project. Why not take it a step further and make a dance film capturing your work? Additionally, try to see performances and immerse yourself in the dance community. By doing this, you can draw inspiration from other artists and ignite your creativity.

Rest & Relaxation 

With vacations to plan and social events to attend, it's easy to feel like we need to pack as much in as possible over the summer. But it's also important to remember the value of taking time to rest and recharge. 

Taking a break, especially after a crazy competition or show season, can do wonders for our mental and physical well-being. Right now is the perfect opportunity to give ourselves that much-needed break before the hustle and bustle of a new season begins. So take some time for yourself this summer, unwind, and see how beneficial it can be to your overall health and happiness.

All in all, a dance teacher's summertime is about finding the right balance. Preparing for dance intensives, continuing education, performing, exploring a side hustle, and starting a creative project are just a few ideas for making the most of this summer season. Taking time to rest and relax is just as important because it helps energize you for the upcoming demands and rigors of teaching in the fall. Keep in mind that whatever strategy you choose for this unique summer season, be sure to not only fill up your days with productive activities but enjoy each moment along the way!