Setting goals is crucial for progress in any field, and dance is no exception. For dancers striving to improve, whether you’re aiming for sharper technique, greater flexibility, or stronger performance quality, having a roadmap is essential. But not just any goals will do. To truly propel your dance journey forward, you need to embrace smart dance goals.
Inspired by effective goal-setting strategies used in various professional settings, the SMART framework provides a powerful structure for dancers to define and achieve their aspirations. Instead of vague wishes, SMART goals are clear, actionable, and designed to set you up for success. Let’s break down how this approach can revolutionize your dance training.
Dancer setting SMART Goals
Decoding SMART Dance Goals
The acronym SMART stands for:
- Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
- Measurable: Establish concrete criteria to track your progress.
- Attainable: Set realistic goals that challenge you without being discouraging.
- Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your overall dance aspirations and current needs.
- Time-Bound: Give your goals a deadline to create a sense of urgency and maintain focus.
Let’s explore each element in detail and see how they apply to the world of dance.
S – Specificity in Your Dance Aims
Vague goals are like setting sail without a destination. A general desire to “get better at ballet” is a good starting point, but it lacks the focus needed for effective action. What does “better” actually mean in ballet? Does it mean improving your pirouettes, refining your port de bras, or increasing your flexibility?
Instead of broad statements, specific dance goals pinpoint exactly what you want to improve. For example, instead of “I want to improve my turns,” a specific goal would be: “I will improve my fouetté turns in second position.” This clarity allows you to direct your practice and measure your progress effectively.
M – Measuring Progress in Dance
How will you know if you’re making progress towards your dance goals? Measurable goals provide tangible benchmarks. This involves quantifying your objectives so you can track your development objectively.
In dance, measurement can take various forms. It could be time-based, such as “I will hold my arabesque for 15 seconds with proper form.” It could be repetition-based, like “I will execute 8 clean counts of paradiddles in my tap routine.” It could also be about achieving a specific technical element, such as “I will successfully complete a double pirouette from fourth position consistently.” By defining measurable criteria, you can monitor your advancement and stay motivated.
A – Attainability: Setting Realistic Dance Challenges
While it’s important to dream big, setting unattainable dance goals can lead to frustration and demotivation. Attainable goals strike a balance between challenging you and being within your reach with dedicated effort and practice.
Consider your current skill level and resources. If you’re just beginning to work on double pirouettes, aiming to master triple pirouettes within a month might be unrealistic. A more attainable goal would be to perfect your double pirouette technique, focusing on clean rotations, strong spotting, and controlled landings. Remember, progress is built step by step. Set goals that stretch you, but are realistically achievable within your timeframe. Focus on personal progress rather than comparing yourself to others.
R – Relevance: Aligning Dance Goals with Your Aspirations
Relevant dance goals are those that genuinely matter to you and contribute to your broader dance journey. They should align with your dance style preferences, performance aspirations, and overall development as a dancer.
Ask yourself: Does this goal help me become a more versatile dancer? Will it enhance my performance quality in my chosen style? Is it something I am genuinely passionate about improving? For instance, if you aspire to be a contemporary dancer, focusing on improving your hip-hop isolations might be less relevant than developing your floor work and improvisation skills. Choose goals that resonate with your dance identity and contribute to your long-term vision. However, sometimes relevance also means addressing weaknesses to become a more well-rounded dancer. Don’t be afraid to set relevant goals that push you outside your comfort zone for overall growth.
T – Time-Bound Goals for Dance Momentum
A deadline is a powerful motivator. Time-bound dance goals incorporate a specific timeframe for achievement, creating a sense of urgency and focus. Without a deadline, goals can become lingering wishes rather than actionable plans.
Instead of saying “I will improve my flexibility,” set a time-bound goal like, “I will increase my hamstring flexibility to touch my toes with straight legs by the end of next month.” This deadline provides a target date to work towards and helps you prioritize your practice. Shorter timeframes are often more effective for maintaining momentum. Consider setting weekly or monthly SMART dance goals to keep you consistently progressing. Remember that deadlines can be adjusted if needed, but having an initial timeframe is crucial for staying on track.
Putting SMART Dance Goals into Action
Crafting SMART dance goals requires a bit of thought, but the process becomes easier with practice. Here’s an example of how to transform a general dance aspiration into a SMART goal:
General Goal: “I want to be a better turner.”
SMART Goal: “By the end of this month, I will consistently execute three clean pirouettes à la seconde on my left leg, maintaining balance and a strong relevé.”
Let’s break down why this is a SMART dance goal:
- Specific: It focuses on a particular type of turn (pirouette à la seconde) and leg (left).
- Measurable: Success is defined as executing three clean pirouettes consistently.
- Attainable: Achieving three pirouettes in a month is likely attainable with focused practice for a dancer already working on turns.
- Relevant: Improving turning technique is generally relevant to most dance styles and dancer development.
- Time-Bound: The deadline is set for “the end of this month.”
Embrace Smart Dance for Lasting Progress
Integrating SMART goals into your dance practice is not about adding more pressure; it’s about working smarter, not just harder. It’s about channeling your passion and effort into focused, achievable steps that lead to tangible results. By setting smart dance goals, you take ownership of your progress, cultivate self-awareness, and unlock your full potential as a dancer. Whether you’re a student, aspiring professional, or dance enthusiast, the SMART framework is your partner in achieving your dance dreams.
Consider discussing your SMART dance goals with your teachers or mentors. Their expertise can provide valuable insights and support as you work towards achieving your aspirations. Make goal setting a regular part of your dance journey and watch how smart dance practices transform your training and your performance.
