New Year's Resolution

Dancing in 2023: Ways to get on track and how to improve

#2023 #danceinjapan #dancein2023

Happy New Year! 明けましておめでとうございます! What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Are any of them dance related? From wanting to start dancing to building stamina, there are so many types of goals to think about. If so, Lid is here to help you! This post will highlight 6 ways to help better your dancing in the year 2023.

Tip #1 - Dance Lessons

Wherever it’s starting classes or taking more classes, attending a dance class is a great way to start your dance focus New Year's Resolution. You get to learn from a professional, connect with other people and immerse yourself straight away. Check out our blog post on Dance Etiquette in Japan and Dance Studios in Japan to help you get started. Dance lessons can range from absolute beginner to advanced and come in various styles so make sure to check before going to a studio or workshop.

Tip #2 - Learning from home

If you are too shy about dancing in a class, worried about expenses, have troubles with scheduling or anxious about being in a room full of people, there is always the option of learning from home. Online lessons: Japan Edition and What To Do If Your Dance Studio Closes highlights some online dance lessons. Social media sites such as Tic Toc and YouTube are also great for learning dances. With so many options available, dance lessons are not only accessible but it’s easy to get started!

"There is always the option of learning from home."

Tip #3 - Increasing Stamina

For the more seasoned dancers, maybe this year is all about being a better dancer. One way to do this is by improving your stamina. Having stamina will help you dance for longer periods of time. Running, swimming, jump rope and skating are some activities that are known for helping with stamina. Doing activities that are not dance related but can help your overall mental and physical fitness are great regardless. But if it aids your dancing, even better!

Tip #4 - Stretch

Stretching is crucial. Warm ups and warm downs are important for any kind of physical activity to prevent injury. For people who are just starting dance, a stretch before and after a dance session should be done. Sometimes these will be done in the lesson, but just in case a quick five minutes before and afterwards can help. If you don’t know where to start, there are plenty of apps and YouTube channels available. For more experienced dancers, stretching regularly is important for flexibility, strength and peace of mind. By doing yoga, Pilates or just simply expanding the time of your stretches can help improve your dancing.

Tip #5 - Strength Training

Love it or hate it, strength training is another important aspect of dancing. Not only is it good for your cardiovascular, physical and mental health, but in time you will be able to deliver bigger and stronger dance moves. Many dance lessons in Japan include a little bit of strength training to help warm up the body and focus the mind. Doing strength training between lessons can help maintain your fitness level and decrease fatigue for when you do take lessons.

Tip #6 - Trying New Dance Styles

We are coming back full circle now, but with a slight twist; why not take a dance class in a style you haven’t done before? Yes, it can be intimidating and humbling. Especially for professionals or seasoned dancers. But that’s exactly it! You get to discover something new and develop your skills further. Dance is always developing and changing so either keeping up to date with the new moves or starting a new dance genre is a great way to stay motivated and inspired. Not only that, but if you are a dance teacher, you can understand the experience of a new or beginner level dancer in your class. It’s a win-win situation!

Final Notes

Last but not least, even though you have probably read it many times before in other health related articles, please consult your doctor before making any drastic changes to your lifestyle. Lid hopes that this article is helpful in motivating you to start your New Year’s Resolution. That being said, you can start dancing anytime. And Lid will still be here to help :)