How to Improve your Mental Health as a Dancer
By: DanceVibes Ambassador, Marilee Splendorio
Have you ever felt like staying home instead of going to dance class?
Maybe you're feeling low, discouraged, or simply burnt out.
If so, this blog post is for you. Here are practical ways to support and improve your mental health—so you can thrive both on and off the dance floor:
Take Breaks
It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed from time to time. One of the best things you can do is give yourself permission to rest. Here are a few simple ways to reset:
Take a mental health day.
Clean your room or organize your space.
Take a long shower or do something that refreshes your body and mind.
Even small actions can help clear your mind and bring back a sense of calm.
Seek Support From Your Community
You don't have to go through hard times alone. Reaching out to others can make a big difference. Consider:
Talking to your dance community—mentors, teachers, or friends.
Leaning on your family for encouragement and guidance.
Having a support system helps you feel less isolated and more understood.
Build Mental Resilience
Mental strength is just as important as physical strength in dance. Here are some key habits to develop:
Practice positive self-talk: Remind yourself of your strengths and progress.
Set small, achievable goals: These can help you stay motivated and build confidence.
Cultivate adaptability: Accept that not every class or performance will be perfect, and that's okay.
By building these habits, you become better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks.
Celebrate Your Progress
Even the smallest wins deserve recognition. Acknowledge how far you've come, even if the journey hasn't been easy. Take time to reflect and celebrate milestones like:
Pushing through a tough rehearsal.
Learning a new step or choreography.
Taking a break when you need it.
Your mental health journey is just as important as your dance training.
Remember: Rest Is Part of the Process
Dancing every week with your friends, learning new things—it’s exciting and fulfilling. But it’s essential to remember that everyone needs breaks. When things start to feel overwhelming, it's okay to step back. Rest is not a weakness—it's a necessary part of growth.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your mental health isn't a detour from your dance journey; it's part of it. Give yourself grace, seek support, and don’t forget to celebrate every step you take—on and off the stage.
How to act on this:
Download the DanceVibes Habit Tracker to build positive habits for your mental health
Don’t forget to take breaks and rest when you need it!
Cultivate positive self talk and a growth mindset