How to Set SMART Goals for a Dancer: A Guide for Dancers and Dance Parents
Success in dance is not just about talent—it's about dedication, practice, and having clear goals. Whether you're a dancer aiming to perfect your pirouettes or a parent supporting your child’s dreams, setting SMART goals can pave the way to success.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Specific: What do I want to accomplish?
Measurable: How will I measure my progress?
Achievable: How can the goal be accomplished?
Relevant: Is this goal in line with my long-term objectives?
Time-Bound: How long will it take to accomplish this goal?
These principles help turn vague aspirations into actionable steps, making them easier to accomplish.
How to Apply SMART Goals in Dance
SMART goals are especially effective in dance because they allow dancers to focus on technique, performance, and progress. Without clear goals, it’s easy to lose direction or feel overwhelmed.
1. Specific: Define Your Goals Clearly
Unclear goals like “I want to improve” are hard to act on. Specific goals break down what improvement means and provide a clear target.
Example 1: Instead of saying, "I want to be better at ballet," specify, "I want to improve my posture during adagio combinations in ballet class."
Example 2: For younger dancers, a goal could be, "I want to learn all the steps in my recital choreography by next Friday."
Tips for Specific Goals:
Focus on one skill or technique at a time.
Be detailed—what, where, and how are you aiming to improve?
2. Measurable: Track Your Progress
Attaching numbers or milestones to your goal makes it easier to track progress. This allows you to celebrate small victories and see how far you’ve come.
Example 1: "Hold my arabesque at a 90-degree angle for 10 seconds by the end of the month."
Example 2: "Improve my turns by practicing 10 pirouettes on each side every day for the next three weeks."
Tips for Measurable Goals:
Use a dance journal or video recordings to track progress over time.
Ask for feedback from instructors to gauge improvement.
3. Achievable: Set Realistic Expectations
It’s great to dream big, but goals should match your current skill level and resources. Overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration or injury.
Example 1: "Achieve a clean double pirouette within 6 weeks, starting with single turns and gradually progressing."
Example 2: "Learn the first 30 seconds of my tap solo within two weeks by practicing 15 minutes daily."
Tips for Achievable Goals:
Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps.
Consider your schedule, physical limits, and available resources before setting a timeline.
4. Relevant: Align with Your Dance Aspirations
Goals should be connected to your broader aspirations as a dancer, whether it's mastering foundational skills or preparing for a performance.
Example 1: "Improve my leaps and jumps to add height and power to my contemporary routine for competition."
Example 2: "Develop stronger pointe work to prepare for advanced ballet classes next semester."
Tips for Relevant Goals:
Reflect on your dance goals—what inspires you most?
Ensure the goal directly benefits your current dance style or performance requirements.
5. Time-bound: Set a Deadline
Without deadlines, goals may lack urgency. A clear timeline motivates you to stay on track and provides structure to your practice routine.
Example 1: "Perfect my fouetté turns within 8 weeks by practicing 15 minutes daily and taking weekly feedback from my instructor."
Example 2: "Memorize my recital choreography by the end of the month by working on one new section each week."
Tips for Time-bound Goals:
Break long-term goals into short-term deadlines.
Use calendars or reminders to track your progress and stay accountable.
Tips for Dance Parents
As a dance parent, you play a key role in supporting your dancer’s journey. Here’s how you can help:
Encourage journaling: Have your dancer keep a log of their practice sessions, noting what went well and what needs improvement.
Celebrate milestones: Whether it’s mastering a new step or hitting a flexibility goal, acknowledge their hard work.
Provide resources: Help your dancer stick to their goals by ensuring they have access to the tools they need, like a dedicated practice space or additional classes.
Why SMART Goals Work for Dancers
SMART goals are powerful because they give dancers a sense of purpose and direction. Achieving smaller milestones builds confidence and momentum toward larger goals, like auditioning for a professional company, competing at higher levels, or mastering an advanced skill.
By breaking down goals into actionable steps, dancers can stay motivated, focused, and resilient, even when faced with challenges.
Start Setting SMART Goals Today!
At Elite Dance Force, we’re passionate about helping dancers achieve their dreams. Our experienced instructors can guide you in setting and achieving SMART goals tailored to your skill level and aspirations. Whether you’re preparing for a performance or just starting your dance journey, we’re here to help you succeed.
Ready to take the next step? Join us at Elite Dance Force and let’s dance toward your goals together! Register today!
