Christmas and dance go hand-in-hand through festive parties and themed events. But it’s also an opportunity to take a little time for yourself, to get out of the studio and into and around the Christmas tree with family. How to take advantage of this break? What should we be thinking about during the holidays? And even more importantly, what should we not be thinking about?
Photo by Chris Alexander: Laura, Sarah, Geneviève, and Nicolette from DanceTeamProjects performing their Christmas medley at Baila Con Gusto December 11th, 2025
If you’re like the average dancer, you’re somewhat of a perfectionist. You're not afraid of hard work. This is a good thing - it allows us to constantly be improving and achieving goals. But at the same time, it can easily be overdone, and leads to burnout. Overworked and exhausted. Many of us have a hard time taking a break. An actual break, not just a spa day or even a weekend getaway. Our bodies need however long they need - be it 3 days or 30 days - to recover from extensive training. Did you know - muscles learn or encode patterns primarily while we rest? Thus maybe the best thing you can do to make your choreography stick and feel good is to take a break from constantly running it!
This may not apply as much if you’re not competing or performing at the moment, if you’re not experiencing burnout. But a change in scenery for a little while can absolutely help rejuvenate the body and mind, breaking free from weekly classes, providing a little inspiration during the holiday spirit. An opportunity to think about the classes you’re taking, the classes you want to take, the projects you’ve been taking on and want to take on, etc. If you’ve been too busy with work and life to take some time for yourself just to dance, then the holidays are a good time to consider your priorities and to set new goals following the new year.
That being said, it’s OK not to be putting an effort to review your goals and plans and projects and preparing to make changes. Our minds also need a break. Singing and laughing and relaxing with family, sleeping in, baking and decorating gingerbread houses, making snow angels. Get into the Christmas spirit! In fact, full mind and body rest may be the single most productive thing you can do during the holidays.
As a bonus, here are some Christmas-themed dance shoes to bring to any holiday party:
Rhythm - Women's Latin / Salsa / Bachata / Tango Shoes
Magnific - Women's Practice & Training Dance Shoes
Blossom - Women's Latin / Salsa / Tango Shoes (hard leather sole)
Felicia Peep-Toe Dance Boots - Women's Latin / Salsa / Bachata / Tango Shoes
Sentada Closed Toe - Women's Ballroom / Latin / Tango Shoes
