You may have heard of setting intentions in a yoga studio, but did you know it is great habit for dancers as well? Setting intentions before your dance practice is a wonderful way to improve your technique, your presentation, and even your life outside the studio. We’re going to look at some reasons why, and how to implement this into your practice. First, let’s find out what intentions are. One definition is:
A determination to act in a certain way.
Another definition is:
What one wishes to do, or bring about.
Simply put, an intention is a decision you make about the way you will show up and how you will call things into your life.
How does this relate to dance?
First of all, setting intentions is a great way to guide the tone of the class. If you are a student, you might use intentions for what you want to improve upon. If you are an instructor, you might apply this for how you want the class to go. Or, if you normally think and act a certain way in class and want to change your mindset, using intentions will help.
Example for a student: My technique grows stronger with every class I take.
Example for an instructor: My classes run smoothly, and my dancers are improving with each class.
Second, intentions are a powerful tool for choreography. Oftentimes in choreography, you play a certain character. Or you must convey a mood to get the message of the piece across. Using intentions is wonderful for both the choreographer and the dancer, because it communicates the message of the dance piece for the choreographer, the dancer, and the audience.
Example for the dancer: I pick up on choreography easily and quickly.
Example for the choreographer: I have the power to influence people’s lives with my work.
Third, intentions made during dance practice set you up for life outside the studio. Think about it: have you ever had a certain thought about yourself, and it influences how your day goes? Maybe you finally finish a project you’re working on, and you tell yourself what a successful boss you are. What you say about yourself, to yourself, becomes your reality. So if you set powerful intentions during your dance practice, you will positively influence your life outside the studio.
Example for the dancer: I am in a beautiful state of flow.
Another example: I am brave and fearless of challenges.
How can you bring this into your life?
I am going to provide one easy thing you can do, to try this out for yourself. Have a movement practice for yourself. If you’re just beginning, I encourage you to make it fun and easy- maybe a short sequence of stretching and flowing to calm music in the morning, or a mini dance party with friends on your next movie night. Each time before you try this, set an intention of not only how you want this time with movement to go, but how you want the rest of your day to go. Pick an intention you really wish to call into your life, then breathe into the words. Say the words out loud with a joyful inflection. Then, hold onto the feeling your words and movement evoke as it stays with you for the day.