Dance is a beautiful, ever-evolving journey of self-expression, discipline, and growth. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps or a seasoned dancer returning after a hiatus, one thing remains constant: improvement only comes with consistency. It’s not about perfection or instant results—it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and trusting the process.
Why Consistency Matters
No matter your skill level, progress in dance is rarely linear. It’s a cumulative process that builds over time. Research (and experience!) shows that noticeable improvement—whether in technique, stamina, or confidence—takes about six weeks of consistent, regular attendance. Sporadic attendance, on the other hand, can hinder your growth. Think of it like building a house: if you only lay bricks once in a while, the structure will take forever to rise. But if you show up regularly, brick by brick, you’ll see the walls take shape before you know it.
Consistency isn’t just about physical improvement; it’s also about mental and emotional growth. The more you attend class, the more familiar you become with the movements, the rhythm, and the flow. Your body starts to remember what your mind might still be processing. Over time, this repetition builds muscle memory, confidence, and a deeper connection to the art form.
Setting Weekly Goals
One of the best ways to stay motivated and track your progress is by setting small, achievable weekly goals. These don’t have to be grand or overwhelming—they can be as simple as:
- Remembering the first exercise without prompting.
- Executing the first few steps of a routine without looking at the teacher.
- Improving your posture during a specific movement.
Goals like these give you something tangible to work toward and help you celebrate the small wins along the way. They also keep you focused and engaged during class, making each session more purposeful and your presence more intentional (my favourite word).
The Power of Taking Notes
After class, take a few minutes to jot down key takeaways. Did your teacher give you a correction that resonated with you? Was there a step or sequence you struggled with? Or maybe there was a moment when everything just “clicked”? Writing these things down—even in a “notes app” on your phone—helps solidify what you’ve learned, and keeps you accountable staying intentional and present in class.
This simple habit does more than just help you remember; it reinforces the learning process. By reflecting on your class, you’re giving your brain a chance to process and internalise the information. Over time, these notes become a valuable resource, helping you track your progress and identify patterns in your growth.
Be Kind to Yourself
If you’re returning to dance after a long break, it’s important to be patient and kind to yourself. Remember, the skills and technique you developed in your younger years didn’t happen overnight—they were the result of years of practice and dedication. It’s unrealistic to expect yourself to pick up exactly where you left off after just a few classes.
The good news? Those skills are still there, waiting to be rediscovered. With consistency and persistence, they’ll come back. It might take a few weeks or even months, but every class you attend brings you closer to reclaiming your rhythm and confidence, and feeling those “feels” we get in dance class.
Trust the Process
Dance is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. There will be days when you feel like you’re soaring and others when you feel like you’re starting from scratch. Both are part of the process. The key is to keep showing up, keep practicing, and keep believing in your ability to grow.
So, whether you’re a beginner or a returning dancer, commit to consistency. Set those weekly goals, take those notes, and celebrate every step forward. Remember, progress isn’t meant to be dramatic (life isn’t a “reality” tv show) —it’s the small, steady improvements that add up to something extraordinary.
Your dance journey is uniquely yours. Embrace it, enjoy it, and most importantly, keep dancing.