Navigating Pre-Teen Dance Burnout
Dear Dance Parents,
As a former ballerina and now a mother of three, I understand the intricate dance between supporting our children's interests and guiding them through the challenges of growing up. If your pre-teen is struggling in their commitment to dance, it's essential to provide unwavering support while emphasizing the benefits dance offers during this pivotal stage of development.
Emphasize Social Connection: Pre-teens thrive on social interactions, making dance classes an invaluable opportunity for them to connect with like-minded peers. Recent studies published in the Journal of Adolescent Health highlight the importance of positive peer relationships in fostering emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. Encourage your child to cherish the friendships they've forged through dance. Make time for a hang out with some dance friends before or after class! Ballet is one of the truly “screen free” spaces left for kids in our society, and it’s such a great way for them to take a tech break with friends while getting healthy exercise and mental stimulation.
Explore Diverse Dance Styles: Variety is the spice of life, especially for pre-teens exploring their interests. Offering choices and autonomy enhances pre-teens' motivation and engagement. Introduce your child to a range of dance styles—from classical ballet to jazz and contemporary—allowing them to discover their preferences and find renewed inspiration to continue dancing. Ballet can be tedious, and having one class a week in a contrasting movement style gives dancers a mental break from the constant detailed precision that ballet requires.
Encourage Self-Expression: Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and dance provides a powerful outlet for creative expression. Encourage your child to express themselves authentically through dance, it’s an unparalleled way for the body and mind to work together in expressing emotions. As parents we can support our pre-teens by validating their unique gifts and encouraging them to use dance as an outlet for their emotions.
Address Performance Anxiety: Performance anxiety can be a daunting hurdle for pre-teens, potentially leading them to question their commitment to dance. It’s no fun to dance when we are anxious! This is a normal part of growing up, and not always a sign that your child shouldn’t be a dancer. Help your child develop coping mechanisms such as relaxation techniques, deep breathing and positive self-talk, empowering them to approach challenges with resilience and confidence.
I hope this helps give you some food for thought that you can use as you help your pre-teen navigate dance. As they take on more days per week, and school work gets harder it can be a tough road. This is normal, and there are ways to help your child along the way! Stay tuned for our next blog, where we'll delve into strategies for motivating teenagers to persevere in their dance pursuits!
With Joy,
Mrs. Julianna