Summer is like a fresh start. You have more freedom to do what you want, whenever you want, especially as we move from regional competitions to finals to summer dance intensive season. While it’s fun to have the pool parties, picnics, and hanging out with friends nonstop, leaving a positive impact can feel just as fun and rewarding.
You don’t need to do something time-consuming or life-changing. Helping out your community can be as simple as making small donations of time and effort. As dancers, we already know how to work hard, encourage others, and bring energy into a room. Summer is just about taking those same skills and using them in new ways.
Volunteer at a Dance Camp or Help Younger Dancers
Summer is the perfect chance to use your dance experience to help the next generation of dancers. If your dance studio hosts camps, summer intensives, or kids classes, ask if they need any helpers. Remember, when you were younger and would look up to the older girls? You now have the opportunity to give that same feeling back! Small things like doing buns or ponytails, helping calm nerves, and giving pep talks can be so inspiring. A few small words of encouragement can make the biggest difference in how a young dancer perceives dance.
Use your creativity to help others
This is your perfect time to use your creativity in ways that aren’t just choreographing dances. You could help paint sets at your local theatre or schools, design posters and flyers for local events, or even host arts and crafts days for kids. Creativity is a gift that should be shared with others, and it can create an impact wherever you use it.
Find a Volunteer Opportunity That Actually Matches Your Personality
Volunteering should be a fun experience you get to enjoy. It shouldn’t feel like you are being forced to do it. Make sure your volunteering is the right fit for you. If you like spending time with kids, maybe volunteer at a day camp or summer camp. If you like being with animals, volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue. If you like creating art, look for programs that share art with your community. It is so much easier to leave a positive impact when you enjoy what you are doing.
Be the Positive Teammate Everyone Needs
Summer camps can feel overwhelming and intimidating, especially in a competitive environment where dancers often compare themselves. to each other. One of the easiest impacts you can make is being a kind human, and it’s free. Compliment another dancer’s turns. Hype people up instead of competing with everyone around you. Positive energy is contagious and will improve the mood of everyone surrounding you.
