How To Balance Dance, School, and Life (And Still Breathe!)
By: DanceVibes Ambassador, Natalie DeShayes
If you’ve ever thought, “There’s no way I can get all this done,” you’re not alone. Between dance classes, rehearsals, school, and work, things can feel overwhelming fast.
The good news? A few simple planning habits can help you stay on top of it all—without burning out.
These habits took me years of trial and error to figure out. They may not all work for you, but give them a try and see what sticks.
Use a Weekly Calendar — Not Just Daily To-Do Lists
Instead of jotting down a long list of daily tasks, start with a basic weekly calendar. You can use Google Calendar, a physical planner, or even the Notes app on your phone.
Start by blocking off your non-negotiables—like school, dance, or work—then schedule other tasks around them.
Seeing your full week in one place helps you prepare for busy days, like when a big test and a performance fall on the same weekend
Pick 3 Priorities Every Day
Each morning (or the night before), ask yourself:
“If I only get 3 things done today, what should they be?”
Focusing on just three key tasks keeps you moving forward without getting overwhelmed by an endless to-do list.
Group Similar Tasks Together
Jumping between unrelated tasks drains your energy and focus. Instead, try batching similar activities. Here’s an example:
After school → 30 minutes of homework
After homework → Pack your dance bag and grab a snack
Before bed → Prep for tomorrow (school bag, outfit, lunch)
Staying organized helps reduce last-minute stress.
Plan Real Breaks
Don’t just scroll on your phone and call it a break. Schedule intentional rest to recharge. Try:
A 15-minute walk outside
A quick snack with no screens
A 10-minute full-body stretch
Calling a friend while doing chores
Rest is productive. You need it to keep dancing, learning, and thriving.
Always Pack the Night Before
Make mornings smoother by getting ready the night before:
Pack your dance bag
Make your lunch
Lay out your clothes
Future you will thank you—no more morning panic about missing leotards.
Add Extra Time to Your Schedule
Life doesn’t always follow the plan. Build in extra time, especially during:
Competitions or performance weeks
Test and final exam periods
Busy or unpredictable days
And if things go off track:
Choose progress over perfection
Remember, a little is better than nothing
You’re doing great—even when it feels messy
Last MessageYou’re not failing—you’re growing. Every long day, early morning, and late-night prep is building something bigger.
Keep showing up. Keep choosing what matters.
And don’t forget—you’re doing incredible work.
Next Steps: Take ActionDownload the Habit Tracker and Comp/Convention Planner from DanceVibes to stay on top of your dance journey!
Set your top 3 priorities for each day
Pack your dance bag the night before—every time