The start of a new dance season has always been one of my favorite times of the year. As a former professional dancer and now a dance educator, I know that feeling of stepping back into the studio after summer break fresh ballet slippers, a sharpened focus, and the quiet excitement of new possibilities.
Whether you’re a beginner or preparing for auditions, the beginning of a season is about more than just jumping back into class. It’s about setting goals clear, thoughtful goals that will guide you through the year.
When I look back on my own journey, the dancers who thrived weren’t necessarily the most naturally gifted. They were the ones who knew how to set goals, stay consistent, and track their progress over time.
Why Goal Setting Matters for Dancers
Dance is an art form, but it’s also an athletic discipline. Just like athletes, dancers need direction. Without goals, you risk floating through the season without a sense of growth. With them, every rehearsal, every class, every correction from your teacher becomes a step toward something bigger.
Goals also:
- Provide focus – They help you prioritize what to work on in class.
- Build accountability – Writing them down makes you more likely to follow through.
- Celebrate progress – Nothing feels better than checking off a milestone you’ve worked toward.
- Reduce burnout – Having a roadmap keeps you motivated when rehearsals get tough.
When I was dancing professionally, my goals were everything. Some seasons, my focus was on building stamina for long contemporary works. Other seasons, I zeroed in on improving my turns or artistry. As an educator, I’ve watched young dancers flourish when they set small, attainable goals rather than chasing perfection all at once.
How to Start Setting Your Back-to-Dance Goals
1. Reflect on Last Season
Ask yourself: What felt strong? What challenged me? What do I want to carry forward, and what do I want to improve?
Reflection is the first step to setting meaningful goals. If you struggled with stage confidence last year, maybe this season your goal is to audition for more roles or speak up in class.
2. Write Your Goals Down
There’s power in putting pen to paper. That’s why I created a Printable Goal Setting Planner for Dancers on Etsy.
It’s designed to help dancers organize goals by technique, artistry, and personal mindset. I recommend writing three types of goals:
- Short-term goals (what to focus on this month)
- Season goals (your overall objectives for the year)
- Long-term goals (where you want dance to take you in the future)
3. Break Big Goals into Smaller Steps
Saying, “I want to get into a college dance program” is inspiring—but it’s also overwhelming. Instead, break it down into smaller goals: improving your solo, preparing your audition photos, practicing mock auditions.
👉 If you’re interested in exploring the college route, check out my article on 10 College Dance Programs You Should Know About.
4. Keep Goals Visible
Don’t let your planner collect dust at the bottom of your dance bag. Post your goals on your wall, mirror, or journal so you can see them daily. Visibility keeps them alive.
5. Revisit and Revise
Goals aren’t set in stone. Some of my proudest achievements came from shifting mid-season when new opportunities arrived. Revisit your goals often—celebrate progress, and adjust when needed.
Back to Dance: The Student and Teacher Perspective
As a teacher, I encourage my students to set goals at the start of every season. We revisit them before winter break, and again before recital.
For younger students, this could be as simple as “remembering choreography” or “pointing my feet every time.” For advanced dancers, it might be “adding artistry to my variation” or “applying corrections faster.”
This process also strengthens classroom culture. When dancers are intentional about their growth, rehearsals become less about competition and more about collective progress.
In my article on the Back to Dance Schedule, I shared how returning to the studio isn’t just about logistics—it’s about mindset. Setting goals ensures you walk into each class with purpose, instead of letting the season slip by.
Common Mistakes Dancers Make When Setting Goals
- Being too vague. “Get better at ballet” isn’t specific enough. Instead: “Work on stronger arabesques with correct alignment.”
- Focusing only on technique. Goals aren’t just about higher extensions. They can be about artistry, performance quality, or confidence.
- Comparing to others. Set goals based on your journey, not your classmate’s.
- Not tracking progress. A goal without tracking is just a wish. Use a planner or journal to check in weekly.
What to Do When You Feel Stuck
Every dancer has moments where progress feels slow. I’ve been there—staring at the Marley floor wondering if I’ll ever get that triple pirouette.
What helped me most was shifting perspective. Instead of obsessing over the end result, I learned to value small wins: one cleaner turn, one clearer musical phrase, one note of artistry that landed.
I wrote more about this in Lessons from the Marley, where I reflect on the lessons the floor itself taught me about resilience and consistency.
Sometimes, progress is about showing up day after day and letting the work add up.
Connecting Goals to Your Future in Dance
For young dancers dreaming of professional careers, auditions are often the bridge between where you are now and where you want to go. That’s why setting goals around audition readiness is crucial. Start early, plan ahead, and make every class a practice run.
👉 If you’re in this stage of your journey, my guide to Mastering Your Next Dance Audition breaks down exactly how to prepare—from mindset to technique to presentation.
Final Thoughts: Start the Season Strong
The beginning of the dance season is more than a return to pliés and tendus—it’s a chance to define who you want to become this year.
When you set goals, you give yourself a roadmap. You shift from passively taking class to actively building your future.
As someone who has walked this path, I promise you: the discipline of goal setting will carry you further than talent alone. Whether your dream is to shine in recital, land a college audition, or simply grow your confidence, it starts with writing it down and working toward it day by day.
If you’re ready to take that step, grab my Printable Goal Setting Planner for Dancers and start shaping your season today.
Happy Dancing!
