Having new dance goals is fun and important, but it can be difficult to keep track of all of them. With everything from rehearsals to classes to downtime, it is important to find a way that works for you to stay on top of them. The good news? Tracking your goals can be done in a way that is engaging, fun, and creative! You can find new ways to track your growth and stay inspired throughout the journey.
Create a Dance Vision Journal
Take some time to get creative and make a creative dance journal. This is the place to use your favorite craft supplies, like stickers, markers, and glitter. Write down your goals. If you want to nail that double pirouette or perfect your split leap, write it down. Don’t forget to leave space to reflect and take notes after practices and competitions. Personalize your entries with pictures with friends, ticket stubs, or pieces of confetti from competitions. A vision journal can easily double as a kind of scrapbook that you can look back on throughout the year.
Reward Yourself with a Goal Jar
What better way to keep yourself motivated than with rewards? Grab an empty jar and cut up colored paper into strips. Every time you reach a goal (big or small), write it down and drop it into the jar. This can be anything from extending a stretch to landing your aerial. On days when you feel unmotivated or uninspired, simply reach into the jar and read your past accomplishments for a quick boost. Make it even more fun by adding in strips that tell you to reward yourself, such as a Starbucks treat, a new makeup product, or a trip to Target.
Record your Progress
Record yourself doing certain skills or combos, new or old, and make a folder on your phone called “Dance growth”. This lets you keep your progress in one place that you can swipe through to see how far you’ve come. You might cringe watching the clips at first, but over time, you will begin to see progress to celebrate. Visuals are one of the best ways to see improvement. These clips can also help you target small details that you might not notice during practice—such as fixing your flexed foot.
Create a “Dance Bingo” Board
Turn your goals into a fun challenge. Fill a bingo sheet with goals and tasks such as “Stretch for 10 minutes,” or “Learn a combo from a new choreographer.” Each time you complete one of these goals, you get to check it off. When you get a bingo, do something to celebrate! This could be getting a sweet treat or having a spa night!
Share Goals with Your Dance Bestie
Sometimes, it is easier to be accountable to your goals when you aren’t doing them alone. Get together with a friend or teammate and share your goals. You can hold each other accountable for things such as doing your daily workout or running through combos. Then you can celebrate your milestones together by doing small things like getting boba or going to the mall.