1. Stay Hydrated and Choose Cooler Times for Practice

The intensity of summer heat necessitates staying well-hydrated. Dancers should make it a point to drink plenty of water throughout the day, particularly before, during, and after workouts to prevent dehydration and heatstroke. Opting to practice during cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or late evenings, can also mitigate the summer heat, making workouts more comfortable and effective.

2. Break a Sweat Outdoors

Summer’s pleasant weather provides a perfect excuse to take some of your physical activities outside. Engaging in outdoor sports with friends, hiking through nature trails, or simply taking brisk walks can not only enhance your cardiovascular fitness but also strengthen social bonds. These activities offer a refreshing change of pace from the typical indoor dance practice, adding variety to your fitness regimen.

3. Cross-Train with Swimming

Swimming is not merely a leisurely activity to cool down but also an exceptional form of cross-training that complements dance. The buoyancy of water provides resistance without the strain on joints, making it an excellent choice for enhancing stamina and muscle strength. Regular swimming sessions can significantly improve a dancer’s endurance and physical capacity, vital for long dance sessions.

4. Incorporate Light Weightlifting

Dance routines often emphasize cardio and flexibility, but strength is equally critical. Light weight lifting can build and tone muscles, giving dancers more power and control in their movements. Integrating strength training into your weekly routine can bring about noticeable improvements in your overall dance performance.

5. Keep Practicing Your Existing Skills

If summer plans do not include regular dance classes, maintaining a routine of practicing existing dance skills is crucial. Dedicating specific times each week to go through your routines helps keep your skills sharp. This practice ensures you remain ready for more formal sessions and performances, maintaining a high level of dance proficiency.

6. Enroll in Summer Dance Classes

Summer dance classes offer a structured way to stay disciplined with your dance training. These classes not only keep you accountable but also provide a fun environment to learn new techniques and interact with peers. They are an excellent way to stay motivated, ensuring you continue to progress in your dance abilities without the burden of self-directing every session.

Stay on Top

Maintaining dance fitness over the summer is crucial for dancers who wish to stay in peak condition. These six tips provide practical ways to enjoy the summer while focusing on improving dance skills and physical health. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced dancer, integrating these strategies will help you enjoy a productive and enjoyable summer, keeping you fit, engaged, and ready to dance.

Reach Your Goals With Nan’s Dance!

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. 

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Dance advice: Why am I cramping?
• The Importance of Taking Care of Your Feet in Dance

Keep Your Kids Active and Engaged

The long summer days offer plenty of time for children to become absorbed in screens. While a little downtime with TV or video games is okay, too much can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is not ideal for growing children. Dance classes provide a fantastic alternative, keeping kids physically active and engaged in a structured way.

Dancing is not just another form of exercise; it’s a fun and dynamic way to promote physical health. Regular dance sessions help improve flexibility, coordination, balance, and strength. Moreover, unlike many traditional sports, dance classes are indoors, which provides a comfortable environment away from the summer heat. This setting allows children to burn energy and stay fit without the risk of heat exhaustion, making dance an ideal summer activity.

Watch Skills Flourish in a Rewarding Environment

For parents, there’s a unique joy in watching your child grow and excel in their interests. Dance classes offer visible progress and development, which can be incredibly rewarding. As your child learns new dance moves and hones their skills, you’ll see a boost in their confidence and pride in their achievements.

Nan’s School of Dance provides an encouraging atmosphere where children can explore various dance styles and showcase their talents. The summer dance program is designed to cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, ensuring that each child can progress at their own pace. By the end of the summer, many dancers can participate in recitals or informal performances, which serve as a wonderful way for them to demonstrate what they’ve learned and for parents to see the fruits of their child’s hard work.

Cognitive Enrichment That’s Never Boring

Dancing isn’t just physically stimulating—it’s also cognitively enriching. Engaging in dance helps children develop better spatial awareness, learn pattern recognition, and enhance memory by remembering steps and routines. These skills are beneficial not just on the dance floor but in academic pursuits as well.

What makes dance a standout choice is that it manages to combine cognitive development with sheer enjoyment. While traditional educational activities can sometimes feel like an extension of school, dance classes are perceived by kids as play, not work. This disguise of learning as fun keeps children mentally sharp during their break from school without the boredom of typical educational activities.

Enroll in a Summer of Fun

Choosing to enroll your child in summer dance classes at Nan’s School of Dance is more than just signing them up for an activity; it’s giving them a multifaceted experience that contributes to their physical health, emotional well-being, and cognitive development. It’s a decision that will keep your child active, engaged, and learning in one of the most enjoyable ways possible during their summer break.

So, whether your child is new to dance or looking to continue their training over the summer, Nan’s offers a welcoming and supportive environment where they can thrive. Remember, it’s never too late to start dancing, and the benefits your child will gain are invaluable. This summer, choose to invest in your child’s growth and happiness with dance.

Reach Your Goals With Nan’s Dance!

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. 

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Dance advice: Why am I cramping?
• The Importance of Taking Care of Your Feet in Dance

1. Master Your Technique
   • No matter your dance style, technique forms the foundation of every great dancer. Take the time in 2024 to focus on refining your technique. This could involve your regular practice sessions, or going a step farther to find private lessons. Strengthen your core, improve your posture, and work on the nuances of your chosen style. A solid technical foundation not only enhances your performance but also prevents injuries, ensuring a long and fulfilling dance journey.
2. Explore New Dance Styles
   • Routine can be the enemy of creativity. Break out of your comfort zone by exploring dance styles outside of your usual one. If you’re a hip-hop dancer, try a ballroom class. If you love classical ballet, dip your toes into contemporary dance. The beauty of dance lies in its diversity, and embracing new styles can broaden your passion, inspire fresh ideas, and make you a more versatile dancer.
3. Set Performance Goals
   • Whether it’s a local recital, a community event, or a school stage, set performance goals. Having a tangible goal to work towards can provide motivation and a sense of purpose in your dance practice. It could be as simple as practicing choreography more often outside of the studio or speaking up when you need help. Performances not only showcase your skills but also offer the chance to connect with an audience and share the joy of dance.
4. Prioritize Self-Care
   • Dance can be physically demanding, and it’s crucial to prioritize self-care in your dance resolutions for 2024. Make sure to warm up properly before each practice, cool down afterward, and listen to your body. Incorporate cross-training exercises to build strength and flexibility. Adequate rest and recovery are just as important as rigorous practice, so schedule rest days to prevent burnout and keep your body in peak condition.
5. Build/Improve Your Friendships
   • Dance is a communal art form, and building a supportive dance community can enhance your experience. Focus on creating lasting friendships with fellow dancers. Attend workshops, join dance groups on social media, and engage with dancers from different studios. Sharing experiences, collaborating on projects, and receiving constructive feedback from peers can enrich your perspective and contribute to your growth as a dancer.
6. Perform with Passion
   • Dancing every day or many times a week can be draining physically and mentally. It’s hard to lose the feeling of enjoyment when you’re doing the thing you love the most. Try new things to spark your flame again. Start by revisiting why you started dancing and your favorite memories. Once you start to remember the excitement you’ll be anticipating your next class. 

New Year, New You

As you step into 2024, let these dance resolutions guide your path to becoming the dancer you aspire to be. Whether you’re aiming to perfect your technique, explore new styles, set performance goals, prioritize self-care, each resolution contributes to a more fulfilling and transformative dance journey. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and dance your way into a year of artistic growth and joy!

Reach Your Goals With Nan’s Dance

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. 

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Dance advice: Why am I cramping?
• The Importance of Taking Care of Your Feet in Dance

Freshen Up Their Wardrobe

What better way to inspire a dancer than with new dancewear? From leotards and tights to legwarmers and dance skirts, there are countless options to choose from. Consider their dance style – whether it’s ballet, jazz, or hip-hop – and select pieces that not only reflect their style but also provide comfort and flexibility. Personalized touches like monogramming or unique patterns can add an extra flair.

A Practical Pair

Every dancer knows the importance of a good pair of dance shoes. Surprise them with a new set tailored to their specific dance style. Ballet slippers, jazz shoes, tap shoes, or even customized sneakers – there’s endless options to cater to their unique needs. Opt for high-quality materials and a perfect fit to ensure they can dance everyday comfortably.

Must-Have Essentials

Help your dancer take their practice sessions to the next level with equipment. Consider a dance turn board to improve pirouettes, a portable dance floor that can be rolled out anywhere, or a dance stretching band to enhance flexibility. These tools not only make for thoughtful gifts but also contribute to the dancer’s skill development and overall performance.

Gift an Experience

Take your dancer’s joy to new heights by giving them a dance experience they’ll never forget. Consider surprising them with tickets to a live dance performance, whether it’s a classical ballet, a modern dance showcase, or a thrilling local performance.

Custom Dance Jewelry

Add a touch of elegance to their dance ensemble with custom dance-themed jewelry. A delicate necklace with a ballet shoe pendant or earrings inspired by their favorite dance style can be cherished keepsakes. Personalize the jewelry with their name or a significant date to make it even more special.

Custom Dance Gear

Elevate their dance gear with custom touches. Personalized dance bags, water bottles, and even dance-themed phone cases are excellent options. You can also explore custom dance apparel with their name, dance studio logo, or a favorite dance quote. These unique items add a personal touch to their dance accessories and make them stand out in style.

Dance: The Gift That Keeps Giving

This holiday season, celebrate the dancer in your life with a gift that resonates with their passion and dedication. Whether it’s updating their wardrobe with stylish dancewear, providing essential dance tools, gifting a memorable experience, or adding personalized touches to their gear, your thoughtful present will surely make their holidays more magical. As they dance through the season, your gift will be a constant reminder of your support for their artistic journey. Wishing you and your favorite dancer a joyous and rhythmic holiday season!

So why Nan’s school of dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. 

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Dance advice: Why am I cramping?
• The Importance of Taking Care of Your Feet in Dance

During the holiday season, Movie Nights are a staple. With colder temperatures and limited daylight, they are a way to keep your feet tapping while exposing your family to different genres of dance and music. At Nan’s School of Dance in Raleigh, we can’t help but twirl, jump and cheer for the following dance movies!

Leap!

Set in the late 1800s in France, this animated film follows a young orphan girl who discovers a passion for ballet. Taking a chance to audition for the world-renowned school of the Paris Opera Ballet, the main character (Felicie) embraces the idea that with hard work, practice and determination, you can do anything!

Singin’ in the Rain

A throwback, for sure, this musical masterpiece takes place in 1920s Hollywood. With some of the most iconic dance scenes in the film industry, the romantic musical comedy choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen is something the whole family can enjoy. After watching this gem, we challenge you not to dance in the rain the next time a storm comes through the Raleigh area.

West Side Story (1961) Remake (2021)

Based on the complex relationship between two rival New York gangs in the mid-1950s, this movie’s plot becomes hugely complicated when two opposing members fall in love. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, “West Side Story” is a romantic drama with a legendary musical score and street battle turned dance-off. Interested in an even more modern twist? Take a look at the 2021 remake of the film starring Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler. While great movies, know that both are best suited for children 12+.

Happy Feet 1 (and 2)

Everybody needs a “heart song,” and Mumble (an emperor penguin) is no different. While the rest of his colony of penguins relies on their unique voices, Mumble expresses himself through tap dancing. With musical renditions from artists like Prince and Stevie Wonder, this eco-friendly cartoon film will have you and your family dancing around the living room. If you enjoy Happy Feet, make sure to watch Happy Feet Two — you won’t be disappointed!

An American Girl: Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight

The eighth film in the American Girls series, this movie revolves around Isabelle Palmer, an aspiring dancer and fashion designer. Living in the shadow of her “perfect” older sister, Isabelle can’t help but feel out of place at her prestigious performing arts school. However, with the help of a famous ballerina, Isabelle finds her own way to shine.

Other Honorable Mentions

There are many other notable dance movies out there, but we wanted to create a list that was 100% family-friendly no matter the age. However, if you are looking for something to watch with your older dancers, consider these honorable mentions:

• Footloose
• Another Cinderella Story
• Fame
• Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo
• Beat Street

Interested in Dance Classes?

At Nan’s School of Dance, we aim to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to Hip Hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while providing a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

It’s a New Year, and you know what that means…time to make your New Year’s Resolution that you will inevitably break by February! What if you could make a resolution that you can actually keep and that will help with your dancing? At Nan’s Dance of Raleigh, we have come up with seven dance resolutions that you can actually stick with for the rest of 2022!

Dance Outside of the Studio More

Dancers feel comfortable in the studio; we like the smooth floors, the large mirrors… this is our safe space! But we need to feel comfortable outside of the studio as well. So we encourage you to dance at home, dance with friends, dance in your car, dance anywhere you can!

Keep a Dance Log

Take a few minutes to write down how you’re dancing. Also, list the classes you’ve taken so far, the recitals you’ve been in, the videos you’ve been in, the pieces you’ve made, etc. This will provide a detailed review of your training. In addition, you can see what you have done so far and where you want to go from here. Continue to add to this log throughout the year!

Learn Other Skills That Will Help You as a Dancer

What is something that you wish you knew how to do that could help you as a dancer? Is it mixing music, creating choreography, another form of dance? Start learning these skills slowly, and make this a year to expand your skillset!

Listen To Different Types of Music

Dance and music go together like peanut butter and jelly! If you are interested in expanding your taste for dance, try widening your taste in music! Try listening to a different radio station or exploring other playlists on Spotify. Ask your friends and family what they are listening to at the moment. There’s so much fantastic music out there that could lead to discovering some new inspired movements!

Focus on Your Health

Health and self-care are so important. Why not make that a priority this year? Take care of yourself and invest in some “me time.” This can be taking bubble baths, physical therapy, eating right, sticking to a regular sleep pattern, or yoga. Give your body and your mind what it needs so you can feel your best this year!

Think Constructively

Language is so important. The words we choose and how we talk to ourselves matters. What you say can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. So if you are saying things to yourself that are negative, then things will stay negative. Try shifting the negative talk and turn it into something constructive. Here are some examples:

• “I don’t know anyone here!” can become, “I can’t wait to meet new people!”
• “I never get blocked in the front!” can become, “How can I improve my performance during casting?”
• “I’m not good enough to be in this class!” can become, “What skills do I need to work on to improve in this class?”

Being solution-minded will allow you to turn a negative feeling into an opportunity for growth!

Have Fun Dancing!

Throughout our dance training, we can get caught up in the stresses, the obligations, the insecurities. However, it is essential to remember why we started dancing in the first place – because dancing is FUN! So this year don’t lose sight of that, and make a resolution to HAVE FUN DANCING!

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• How To Take Care of Your Body While Dancing
• How To Become a Better Dancer

So why Nan’s school of dance?

We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. We love having new members in our dance classes. We will help get your child acclimated to our dance school and make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

Feel free to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to learn more about Nan’s School of Dance!

The holiday season is upon us, and ‘tis the season for holiday parties! For some of us, that might mean having to host a holiday party. If you have a love for all things dance like we do, then throwing a holiday dance party will be the perfect way to celebrate. Here are some tips for throwing a holiday dance party – guaranteed to be a holly, jolly, good time!

Invite a Variety of Guests

Variety is the spice of life – and makes for a good dance party. Don’t limit your guest list to dancers only, invite guests from work and/or family members. People may surprise you! Bob from accounting may have some stellar dance moves and Aunt Maggie can rock the electric slide!

Have Festive Decorations

It’s a holiday party, so the more festive the better! Nothing puts people in the holiday spirit like holiday decor. So, hang the mistletoe, stockings, wreath, go ahead and put up your tree…the more festive, the better!

Create A Dance Floor

There cannot be a dance party without adequate space to dance. This means you may have to move some furniture. Make sure there is a big enough space for you and your guests to dance the night away!

Serve Food and Drinks

You don’t need to cook a full course meal or even a buffet. You can make it easy by throwing a potluck and having your guests bring a dish. Or, you can just provide heavy hors d’oeuvres and some yummy desserts. If you want your guests to have the energy to dance, then provide them with the right amount of fuel to do so!

Play a Variety of Music

Think about that guest list and try to come up with a playlist that everyone will love. Play current hits but also some classics. If you want this to be a dance party, maybe put some line dances on there too, something that even the “non-dancers” can get down to.

Use Plastic or Paper Cups

No one wants broken glass on the dance floor! Make sure to use plastic or paper cups and plates to limit the mess if there are any spills.

Remember To Have Fun!

Hosting can be a daunting task! Don’t worry about whether the guests are having fun or forcing everyone to dance, it will happen naturally. When a good song is playing, hit the dance floor and others will join. Remember to have fun, that’s what holiday parties are all about!

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• How To Become A Better Dancer
• Ten Ballet Themed Children’s Books

Why Nan’s school of dance?

We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. We love having new members in our dance classes. We will help get your child acclimated to our dance school and make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years).

Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

Feel free to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to learn more about Nan’s School of Dance!