How to Actually Get A Break Over the Holidays

Raise your hand if you’re a dance teacher dreaming of winter break 🙋🏻‍♀️

The truth is, the holidays can have their pros and cons. On the one hand, it’s a chance to take a step back from the studio and enjoy the season with friends and family. On the other, it can quickly be swallowed up by holiday obligations, planning for recital season, and prepping for competition choreography. Before you know it, you’re back at work, feeling like you barely had a moment to breathe.

Last year, I was determined to change that. These were the steps I took to ensure my winter break was the mental reset I needed, so that I could return to the studio refreshed and ready to show up as my best self.

1. Create Boundaries for Break

Sometimes, winter break is used at dance studios for extra competition rehearsals. Therefore, start by setting clear boundaries with your studio, students, and even yourself.

What do you need in order to feel like you have enough of a break? Let whoever needs to know the days you’re officially “off,” in advance and stick to them. In the past when competition rehearsals were needed, I designated ONE day during the break to run them.

2) Make a List

Write down EVERYTHING you think you should do and anything that is stressing you out before the start of the new semester.

Review your list and select the things that absolutely must be done. If it can wait until the new semester, it’s not going on your final list.

Next, estimate the total time it’s going to take you to do those tasks and designate ONE time block during your break to do it.

For example, on my winter break last year, I needed to pick out a theme for each of my recital dances and select music to submit to my studio director. Yes, it would have been nice to get a jump start on choreography, but I didn’t. And I was SO happy I made that choice! I started back in January feeling refreshed, and I think the choreography I made was better for it.

3. Schedule Relaxing Activities

As teachers juggling multiple jobs, we’re pros at scheduling. I find that when I don’t intentionally schedule down time for simple things like getting coffee at my favorite local shop, taking a night to watch a a Netflix series I’ve been wanting to see, or my new favorite, going a hydrotherapy spa (highly recommend!), I won’t do it.

Make a list of things you want to do for you and put them in your calendar, just as you would a class or meeting. Treating downtime as non-negotiable ensures it actually happens.

4. Prioritize What Brings You Joy

Winter break is the perfect time to reconnect with the things you love outside of dance. It’s really easy for us to have our entire identity wrapped up in our job, but we are so much more than that!

Things that may be important to you could include include:

• Spending time with family and friends you don’t see often
• Taking other kinds of movement classes like yoga or pilates
• Seeing a show or dance performance (ok yes this may be dance related but I rarely get out to see professional performances so this still counts as something different!)

Again, make your list and schedule them. This is so important for preventing burnout!

5. Say No to What Doesn’t Bring Joy

On the other hand, the holidays can be stressful because they are filled with events, obligations, and traditions. This year, I am re-examining what traditions actually serve me and which ones don’t—time off is limited, after all!

This season I really encourage everyone to do whatever you need to do to protect your peace. For me, that has looked like not going to a particular family member’s home because I know my boundaries won’t be respected. Does this make me sad? Absolutely. However, I ended up having a really nice drama-free Thanksgiving last week with family who does respect each other, so I have no regrets. 

Again, do whatever you feel is best for YOU. Think of it this way: when you protect your energy, you’re also protecting your ability to show up fully for your students when the break is over.

6. Reflect

While you might be thinking about planning recital themes, competition schedules, and costume orders, make sure you take time to reflect, too.

Ask yourself:

• What went well this past semester?
• What moments made you feel most fulfilled as a teacher?
• What would you like to do differently in the new year?

Journaling or jotting down these thoughts can help you reset your mindset and approach the next semester with clarity and intention.

👉🏼Happy holidays, everyone. Make sure you go back to the newsletter to check out the gift guide and all the other info in there!!