Creating Goals For Dancers

How do we help our dancers create goals?

Do we consider what other dancers are doing?

Do we look at what the industry expects?

Do we base them on what our dancer did the previous season?

These can all be aspects to consider when helping dancers create goals, but there is something that we believe should always be considered first - the needs and desires of the dancer.

Some dancers really want to win. Some want to have fun with their friends. Some want to have a balanced social/dance life. Some want to be onstage as much as possible. Some are coming back from injury.

Needs and desires can shift from season to season.

It is our job, as the adults in their lives, to check in about what they need and desire any time we are helping them create goals.

For example, when a dancer is 8, they may love doing a solo and want to be at the studio as much as possible. When they get to middle school, they may start to feel overwhelmed by all the social changes they are experiencing and need more time at home with family. 

Their goals during these two times will likely be different. It’s important that we acknowledge that and adjust our expectations as their needs change.

In order to get a feel for what your dancer needs this season, consider asking…

At the end of this dance season, how will you know you got out of it what you wanted?

What is your favorite thing about dance right now?

What is your least favorite thing about dance right now?

What are the things you would do the same as you did last season?

What are some things about last season you want to do differently now?

Who is someone that is ahead of you in their dance training and what are they doing to get where you want to be?

These questions can help start conversations and hold space for your dancer to explore and name what’s important to them.

Once you and your dancer are able to clearly identify their needs and desires, together, you can make choices around their dance training that align.