Back to the Barre: Start your New Season off on the Right Foot!
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There's something so magical about the start of a new school year. It's a fresh start filled with new possibilities and experiences. There's that feeling in the air like anything could happen! It's also one of the busiest times of the year and I know you've got one million things on your mind as you prepare to start this new season.
To help you start off this year on the best foot, I've put together five of my favorite tips to help you get organized and prepared before you even set foot in the studio!
See your physical therapist for a preventative screening
Most dancers wait until they’ve sustained an injury to seek help from a medical professional. But did you know there are preventative measures you can take to help stop injuries in their tracks? Now is the time to get a screening to make sure your body is prepared for the busy season ahead. A licensed physical therapist can assess you for risk factors and help develop a training program to target any weak areas. If you don’t already have a pt you know and love, check out Doctors for Dancers to find a provider in your area who understands your specific needs as a dancer!
Take inventory of what items you need
Chances are there are shoes and dance attire you’ve either worn out or outgrown taking up valuable space in your closet. Take an hour or two to go through all your attire and make three piles: donate/sell (for clothes that don’t fit), toss (for clothes that are totally worn out), and keep (for your favs!). Then, make a list of everything you need to replace and visit your local dance shop.
Another great resource to check out? Tutulist, a new platform for buying and selling gently used dance wear. You can sell your old attire that needs a new home and buy custom leotards and skirts for a fraction of the price!
Start a notebook
I am an absolute sucker for school supplies. Even though I haven’t been a student myself for many years, I still find myself gravitating toward the school supply section each Fall. While you’re stocking up on what you need for your academics, don’t forget to grab a dance notebook too! (I LOVE these notebooks from Pointebrush).
Get in the habit of writing down your corrections, choreography, inspiring comments - whatever it is that helps you! I return to my notebooks years later and am always amazed at the tidbits of wisdom hidden in there.
Download my guide to packing your dance bag
I’ve got an amazing freebie for you: The Brainy Ballerina Guide to Packing your Dance Bag! This handy checklist is broken up into categories to make getting organized for a new season an absolute breeze. Just like your dancewear might need a refresh, this is also a great time of year to make sure your sewing kit, first aid kit, and hair supplies are well stocked. You also want to make sure you’re grabbing those extra items like a resistance band and a water bottle (my preferred brands linked!).
It’s a lot to remember, but I’ve done the work for you! Just download the free PDF, print and you’re good to go!
Schedule a Complimentary Career Consultation
It may seem like audition season is a ways off - but I promise you it will be here before you know it! As a former professional dancer, I know how difficult it can be to navigate a dance career. While every journey is filled with challenges, it doesn’t mean you have to navigate it alone. Sometimes you just need guidance from someone who has been in your shoes and truly understands what you are going through. I help dancers like you find intention and purpose for their dance careers and develop a strategy to make their goals happen. Schedule a consultation with me for a no strings attached chat to receive customized advice and actionable strategies you can implement as you pursue your career.
And there you have it! Five ways to start your season off on the right foot 💪.
Which one is your favorite? SHARE in the comments!
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
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