Have you ever found yourself wondering why you can’t get things done? Why it seems like such a big issue to get in and practise? It could be because you have too many options on what to practise. But it could equally be that you don’t have the mental space to work because of your physical space. Time to take a good hard look at your dance space!
What does your dance space look like?
Not everyone is blessed with having a room in their house that they can dedicate to their dance practice. Or a separate room like the one in the top photo. For most of us, we’re dealing with our lounge room, kitchen or even the entry area/hall!
Obviously having your own space is the ideal situation. After all, then you can work distraction-free (or as close to distraction-free as you can get). But when you’ve got to work with what you’ve got. So let’s look at how you can make the most of where you are.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the space you are using.
- How much space do you have to move unincumbered?
- Are there any hazards you need to be aware of?
I.e. Can you easily move your arms without fear of hitting something? Are you at risk of slipping on a step or is there the edge of a rug to watch out for? - If you needed to accommodate a friend dancing with you – is there space for you both?
What you are looking at here is will the space you are using to dance allow you to work without injuring yourself or others?
Next, let’s look at how you use the space.
- How will you provide the music you need to dance to and is this within easy reach?
- Are you likely to be interrupted while you practise?
- Are there mirrors or mirrored surfaces (like a window) where you can see yourself?
- Can you set up a camera to record your dance without needing to be stuck in a small section of the room so you can be seen?
It may feel difficult answering some of these questions – maybe they are things that you don’t need to consider as yet or maybe you’re scared of what to do next if the answers aren’t favourable.
What does my space look like?
I’m so glad you asked!
I have 2 areas in my house which I use for dancing. I have my spare room which has been set up as a dance studio when we don’t have guests. It’s a continual work in progress as I find new ways to store my dance gear, it has easy access to my music and costumes plus can accommodate an extra dancer or two if needed for a mini rehearsal space.
I also have what my kids refer to as “mamma’s dance floor”, a.k.a the kitchen. I love doing my micro-practices here while I cook dinner, make a snack or a get a drink. It’s the perfect excuse to practice how I connect with an audience, as there is rarely a time when there is no one else around while I dance here.
I’d love to say that all of my best ideas come while I’m working in my home dance studio, the absolute gems are always found in the kitchen. When pen and paper or the ability to drop everything and write down/video what I’ve just done is not an available option.
But that’s ok, if it’s an amazing idea that I can use in my classes or own performances, I’m usually able to recollect what I did later on.
Want to see some of the ideas, combos and choreographies that come together while I’m cooking dinner? Join an APB Dance belly dance class or workshop and experience it for yourself.
