Caring for the Whole Dancer
By: Embody Dance Conference
As the convention season begins to wind down, caring for our minds and hearts is just as important as caring for our bodies. Here are some tips from Embody Dance Conference on how to care for yourself as both an artist and a human during these busy convention weekends!
Practice Gratitude
Take a moment before the convention weekend starts to reflect on past positive dance experiences, people in your circle that you are grateful for, and the little things that make you happy. These moments of gratitude allow space for relaxation and can significantly improve your mood as you set yourself up for a successful weekend!
Carve Out Time for Self Care
During busy convention weekends it can be difficult to find time to take care of ourselves! Create a schedule that allows you to practice essential self care. Whether you want to meditate for a few minutes, take a walk in the sun, or enjoy your favorite snack, build it into your weekend routine so that you have something to look forward to. Sometimes 5 minutes is all we need to feel better or reset!
Keep Positive Affirmations in Your Dance Bag
Put a post-it note in your dance bag (or keep a note in your phone) with your favorite affirmations that you can read throughout the convention weekend. Too often we are our own worst critics, and we need to be our own best cheerleaders! What do you want to hear in moments of stress, anxiety, or disappointment? What messages mean the most to you? Write them down and read them whenever you need a boost.
And, of course, care for your physical health! Apolla can help do just that. Apolla compression socks alleviate pain and prevent injury during long weekends of rigorous dancing. Embody Dance Conference faculty members love to wear Apolla socks while teaching because of their comfort and support! Our feet keep us moving and it’s crucial we take good care of them, especially when dancing on hard ballroom floors at convention. Just as you warm up before a long day of dancing, cool down afterwards by lightly stretching, doing some yoga, or using a foam roller to help with recovery.
Caring for yourself mentally allows you to perform better physically. Show yourself some love during long convention weekends and remember: you are not just a dancer, you are a human!
Embody Dance Conference is a non-profit dance convention and competition on a quest to cultivate a safer, more inclusive dance community. At Embody, you’ll find the industry’s leading educators, choreographers, and change-makers put their hearts together for an event that leaves dancers feeling empowered. To learn more about Embody Dance Conference, visit our website at www.embodydanceconference.com
Instagram Handle: @EmbodyDanceConference
Website: www.embodydanceconference.com
