Meditation for Dancers: How to Get Started

Pole dancing can be incredibly nerve-wracking, especially if you’re just starting out. While this is totally normal, you shouldn’t let the jitters get in the way of your performance. Meditation is one way to put your mind and body in the zone beforehand. True enough, writer Lucy Hardy has previously touched on how meditation can ease pre-show anxieties, and more.

After all, meditation isn’t just for yogis. The mind-body connection from yoga not only helps you stay calm throughout your routine, but it can also improve your focus and boost overall self-esteem. That’s something that all dancers can benefit from.

If you’re looking to start meditating, here are some tips.

Start small

In today’s fast-paced world where our attention is easily divided between work and personal life, tuning out can be a huge challenge. But like any muscle or practice, meditation is something that can be improved over time. In fact, physician Robin Berzin notes on Parsley Health that you can start with as little as 10 minutes a day. This is especially ideal for busy folks, as there’s no pressure to hold off your daily schedule. Nonetheless, you’ll still be able to reap the benefits of meditation, no matter how much time you allot.

Choose a method that works for you

Meditation isn’t a “one-size-fits-all.” Others like to jot their feelings down in a notebook, while some like to go off the grid for days just to tune out. Don’t feel pressured to stick to a specific method just because it seems popular. An article on Thrive Global enumerates different techniques, such as walking meditation, the Samatha meditation for concentration, and the Vipassana technique for consciousness. You might want to try a few until you find one that you enjoy.

Find your ideal place

The beauty about meditation is that you can do it almost anywhere. For starters, wellness experts on Elite Daily encourage picking out a quiet spot in your house. After all, what better place is more comfortable and familiar than your own home? Whether it’s your backyard or a corner in your living room, it’s important to pick somewhere you can feed off its positive energy. As an alternative, you can also try an empty studio or a nearby park.

Get an app to assist you

Your mind can be a scary place to navigate alone, so it’s good to meditate with someone to guide you. If you can’t afford to squeeze in some classes or hire a coach, there are lots of tools that can help you meditate at your own pace. PC Mag suggests apps that you can fine-tune to your dynamic lifestyle, like Aura and Buddhify. Aura recommends meditation techniques based on your current mood, and Buddhify does the same according to your schedule.

Meditation is perhaps one of the most enriching activities you can do. The best part is that it requires very little to start—no specific attire or expensive equipment needed. For dancers, you’ll be surprised how beneficial it can be for your craft and improving performance, so it’s worth giving it a shot.

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Shannon Roy

Shannon Roy is a part-time dance coach and fitness enthusiast. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, cooking, and diving.

Latest posts by Shannon Roy (see all)

• Meditation for Dancers: How to Get Started - February 14, 2020