Advise/Question

[JESirish1122]

I was just wondering, for those adult dancers who compete and are working full time, how do you find the time to practice? I work full time 9-5 everyday and I find when I do get home I am worn out. Just curious what everyone else does to make sure they get their practice time in outside of class to be prepared for competitions.

[4reel]

well i dont have a job but it can get pretty exhausting running from class to class. what i do is just eat a ton drink lots of water and then by the time you go to bed youll get a better nights sleep cause your so tired!!

[Kasia is Irish]

I don't compete yet, but I am still told to practice for class, and by golly I want to, but I'm usually just too tired!

I go to university full time, and I work 25 hours a week, so I may as well be working full time. I am the same way- when I get a free moment, I usually just want to relax, or pass out.

I take advantage of spare moments though. I will dance through my reel when I get a free moment, or do bits and pieces of my treble jig or my St. Patrick's Day in Walmart or the grocery store.

Also, going over the motions in your head helps too. Not nearly as much as actually doing them, but if you are stuck sitting for a long time, it does help! It helps me to remember my steps for my next class and it would probably help you when you are on stage.


Good luck with work and dancing!

[sarahbalera]

I don't work full time but I am studying full time. I find finger dancing and repeating the steps over and over in my head helps a lot! I also get to as many classes as I can, not always possible when I am on placement (I'm a student nurse) and doing 12 hour shifts! If you can't practice as often as you would like to, try doing other things to build stamina, eg running/walking up stairs and this will help you when you are able to practice.

Good luck and if you come across a magic formula, please share it with us all!
xx

[JESirish1122]

Thanks I appreciate everyones advice, but no offence to anyone, being in college is not the same as working full time...I was in college full time and worked 30 hours a week and found a lot more time to practice then I do now. I am a teacher and work 9-5 so I am on my feet the entire time. I just feel like I have no time because once I'm home I have to make dinner and clean up and then I have to get everything ready for the next day of work. I guess I just need to make time, its just hard!

[PhalenMum]

I get in an hour at the gym before work almost every day, I can find a nice quiet corner and do half an hour of steps. Also, and this isn't for everyone but I enjoy the looks from people, I practice on the WAY to work, leap 2 3 off the curb is so much fun

[Chiarrai]

i find myself going through steps in my head during the day, and visualizing stuff can be just as good as actually practicing sometimes. i'm also known as the girl who dances through the hallways at school. people think i'm crazy for it, but hey, i'm practicing.