Stepping into the world of dance is exhilarating, and having clear goals can make your journey even more rewarding.
Whether you are a beginner learning your first moves or a seasoned dancer perfecting complex choreography, setting goals can greatly enhance your performance. But how do you ensure these goals are practical?
Enter the SMART method.
In this article, we’ll guide you through SMART goal setting to turn your dance dreams into reality, one step at a time. Prepare to twirl into success as we cover 12 exemplary SMART goals for dancers.
What is a SMART Goal?
The SMART strategy encourages dancers to set meaningful and effective goals for their dance journey. The acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.
Let’s delve into each component of SMART:
Specific
If you want tangible results, start by being more explicit about your aim. Instead of merely dreaming or wishing, outlining clear goals for your dance progress can be incredibly motivating.
Dancers who take the initiative to develop specific goals are more likely to achieve long-term success in their dance journey.
Measurable
Ensuring your goals are measurable is crucial for tracking progress. Instructors might recommend recording video clips of performances or keeping a practice diary to reflect upon your progress.
This allows dancers to monitor their improvements and seek professional guidance before bad habits become ingrained.
Attainable
Rather than chasing unrealistic dreams, aim for goals grounded in reality. While ambitious goals can fuel motivation, they might lead to disappointment if not managed well. Avoid setting yourself up for failure if you want to reach excellence.
Relevant
Establishing goals that resonate with your values can be a potent catalyst for success. Not only does it offer direction and motivation, but it also helps you focus on what truly matters to you.
Bridging the gap between your current self and future aspirations makes your goals more significant and relevant. This newfound enthusiasm can propel you forward, even during challenging times.
Time-Based
A concrete timeline gives you a clear endpoint and helps you manage your time effectively to reach the desired outcome. Achieving success doesn’t happen overnight; it requires continued effort and persistence.
12 Examples of SMART Goals for Dancers
1. Strive to Increase Flexibility
“My aim is to increase flexibility to improve my technique and performance. For this purpose, I plan to perform a daily stretching routine for the next 12 weeks. Additionally, I’ll sign up for an advanced dance class to work on poses requiring greater flexibility.”
Specific: This SMART goal is explicit because the dancer has identified activities to boost flexibility.
Measurable: Track the length and intensity of your stretching routine and class attendance to quantify progress.
Attainable: Increasing flexibility is an achievable aim, provided that it is done safely and gradually over time.
Relevant: Flexibility is vital to a dancer’s technique and performance.
Time-based: The expected time frame for this goal statement is 12 weeks.
2. Learn New Dance Styles
“I want to learn two new dance styles in the following 6 months. These styles will be contemporary and hip-hop. I will take classes, practice, and make sure to attend at least one recital for each of the styles.”
Specific: The goal states what two dance styles will be learned and how they will be achieved.
Measurable: Track the number of classes taken, amount of practice time, and recitals attended.
Attainable: Six months should be enough time to learn two new dance styles.
Relevant: This can help you become a more well-rounded dancer and expand your repertoire.
Time-based: There is a 6-month end date for completing this goal.
3. Enhance Core Control and Posture
“Within three months, I want to improve my core control and posture for better dance performance. I’ll do this by taking a weekly Pilates or yoga class, practicing breathing exercises daily, and doing stretching drills twice daily.”
Specific: The individual aims to improve their core control and posture for better dance performance.
Measurable: You will take a weekly Pilates or yoga class, practice breathing exercises daily, and do stretching drills twice daily.
Attainable: This is reachable because the dancer takes concrete steps to build strength through practice and classes.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate because it addresses an essential aspect of dancer performance.
Time-based: It is time-bound because it has a deadline of three months.
4. Boost Your Confidence on Stage
“I’ll strive to complete a series of confidence-building exercises over the next two months. These should include speaking to strangers, practicing self-affirmations, and dancing in front of a mirror.”
Specific: The aim is to tackle a series of exercises that will help you build confidence.
Measurable: Take note of your progress during each session to ensure you’re on track.
Attainable: Any dancer can complete these exercises to practice self-love and confidence.
Relevant: You’ll be taking active steps towards improving the confidence needed for dancing onstage.
Time-based: Expect to gain successful results over the course of two months.
5. Perfect Combinations and Choreography
“I want to create an original combination for a solo performance in three months. I’ll do this by watching instructional videos and participating in classes twice each week.”
Specific: This goal outlines what you need to do (watch educational videos and participate in classes) and how often you need to do it (twice each week).
Measurable: You could track how many instructional videos and classes you’ve watched/participated in.
Attainable: Watching educational videos and attending classes is definitely feasible.
Relevant: Creating new combinations for solo performances will surely develop your skills as a dancer.
Time-based: Goal achievement must be met after the three months ahead.
6. Strengthen Weak Spots in Technique
“For the duration of 5 months, I want to work to refine my technique by attending three master classes taught by professional dancers and seeking feedback from experienced choreographers.”
Specific: This is a well-defined goal because the dancer plans to improve their technique.
Measurable: Evaluate your progress by checking off the boxes after completing each step in the plan.
Attainable: The individual has created a reasonable timeline to improve their technique.
Relevant: A dancer should strive for perfection in their steps and focus on perfecting them with consistent practice.
Time-based: Completion of this SMART goal is anticipated after 5 months.
7. Develop Your Musicality
“I will learn three new choreographies using a variety of music genres by the end of four months. I plan to attend two classes on musicality and ensure that each choreography includes elements from different dance styles.”
Specific: This explains precisely what needs to be accomplished (learning three new choreographies and attending two classes).
Measurable: You can count how many new choreographies and classes you’ve completed.
Attainable: Learning three new choreographies in four months is achievable.
Relevant: Developing your musicality will help you become a more dynamic dancer.
Time-based: Four months are required to achieve success as a dancer.
8. Cultivate an Audience-Friendly Presence
“I will have cultivated an audience-friendly presence when performing by the next recital. To accomplish this, I want to ask for constructive feedback from a coach or mentor to fine-tune my presentation style.”
Specific: You want to improve your stage presence by asking for feedback.
Measurable: Request feedback from a coach or mentor to analyze how to improve your performance.
Attainable: Depending on your current presentation style, this might take some hard work, but it is absolutely achievable.
Relevant: This goal ties in with the overall objective of becoming more audience-friendly.
Time-based: You have until the next recital to meet this particular goal.
9. Build a Social Media Following
“Within the next two months, I want to build an engaged audience on social media. I plan to create engaging content and interact with others in my industry. My target is to have at least 500 followers by the end of this window.”
Specific: The dancer aims to build an engaged audience on social media for two months.
Measurable: The individual wants to have 500 followers by the end of the two months.
Attainable: This is doable since it involves creating engaging content and interacting with others in their industry.
Relevant: This SMART goal is appropriate because it is a valuable way to increase the visibility of your dancing career.
Time-based: You have a two-month window to reach goal attainment.
10. Strengthen Your Endurance
“The dancer will improve their endurance by increasing their dance time from 30 to 45 minutes without taking breaks. They will strive to do 5 minutes of additional dance training each day for the next two months.”
Specific: The dancer has a clear goal to increase their dance time for two months.
Measurable: They must keep track of their extra 5 minutes per day and ensure they do not take any breaks.
Attainable: Increasing the duration by 5 minutes daily is achievable without compromising quality or form.
Relevant: This statement will allow the dancer to strengthen their stamina and help them with their performances.
Time-based: A two-month timeline is set for the dancer to complete the goal.
11. Improve Injury Prevention Skills
“I’ll review the best methods for staying healthy and injury-free while in practice and performance by the end of this month. I will consult with experts to update my knowledge on prevention techniques and create an action plan.”
Specific: Review the ideal methods for staying healthy and injury-free during practice and performances.
Measurable: Determine if the person has consulted with experienced professionals to update their understanding of injury prevention techniques.
Attainable: This SMART goal is achievable if the dancer takes the time to consult with experts and create a well-thought-out plan.
Relevant: Injury prevention is essential for dancers who want to succeed in their art form without risking injury or their health.
Time-based: Success is expected by the end of the month.
12. Take Part in Professional Auditions
“Over the course of four months, I’ll attend a minimum of three professional auditions per month and track my performance in an audition log. This should enable me to gain exposure to the dance industry and build my confidence in performing on stage.”
Specific: The goal is to attend at least three auditions a month, which will help improve performance.
Measurable: It can be tracked by completing the three auditions monthly and keeping an audition log.
Attainable: Attending three professional auditions per month is certainly possible if there are enough opportunities.
Relevant: Taking part in professional auditions is beneficial for networking and building confidence.
Time-based: There is a four-month end date to reach the ideal result.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, setting SMART goals can be instrumental in shaping your dance journey. These goals offer a clear path, bringing you closer to your aspirations.
With specificity, measurability, attainability, relevance, and time-based factors considered, your dance goals become not just dreams but achievable targets.
The 12 examples provided in this article serve as a guide, inspiring you to craft your own SMART goals that align with your unique dance ambitions.
Realize the dance floor is your stage, and with SMART, you can choreograph your success story. Now lace up your dancing shoes and glide towards your goals with determination and passion.
