Setting Lasting Intentions for the New Dance Season | Platinum Dance

This Magical Month: Setting Lasting Intentions for the New Dance Season

There is an unmistakable magic in the air right now. The crisp autumn breeze is starting to roll in, bringing with it the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice lattes and the rustle of changing leaves. But for dancers, September represents something even more profound than the arrival of fall. It marks the official dawn of a brand-new dance season.

This month is a beautiful blank slate. Your dance bag is packed with clean gear, your fresh notebooks are waiting for choreography notes, and the studio floor is ready for your energy. It is easy to feel an overwhelming surge of motivation right now. However, the true magic lies in taking care of this transitional month. By pacing yourself and setting mindful intentions, you can sustain this September spark all year long. 

Embrace the Fresh Energy of New Classes

Walking into your first few classes of the season brings a mix of excitement and nervous butterflies. You might be working with new teachers, mastering more complex techniques, or dancing alongside new peers. Instead of letting pressure take over, approach this month with a growth mindset.

Treat every new correction as a gift rather than a criticism. This is the perfect time to experiment, make mistakes, and push past your comfort zone. Remember, no one expects you to perfect your routine in week one. Allow yourself to be a student who is learning, growing, and absorbing everything like a sponge.

Nourish Your Body and Mind

As the demands of school and dance intensify, self-care often takes a backseat. To keep your momentum going through the winter and spring, you must prioritize your well-being now.

• Hydrate and Fuel: Pair your favorite seasonal treats with nutrient-dense meals that sustain your energy through long rehearsals.

• Prioritize Rest: Your muscles need time to rebuild, and your mind needs time to process new choreography. Aim for consistent, quality sleep.

• Warm Up Mindfully: Do not rush into explosive movements. Protect your joints and muscles by dedicating time to a thorough, dynamic warm-up before every single class. Don’t forget your Apolla Shocks, they will keep you energized through those long rehearsal days.

Set Intentions You Can Keep

It is easy to set massive, lofty goals in September, only to feel burnt out by November. The secret to lasting success is shifting from rigid goals to flexible, soul-centered intentions. Instead of aiming for a flawless triple pirouette by next week, set an intention to focus on your core stability and spotting during every turn exercise.

Write your intentions down in a dedicated dance journal. Keep them positive, actionable, and deeply personal. Instead of comparing your journey to the dancer next to you on the barre, focus entirely on your individual progress.

Carry the Magic Forward

As the initial excitement of pumpkin spice season fades into winter routines, your written intentions will serve as your anchor. When rehearsals get tough or school fatigue sets in, look back at what you wrote during this magical month.

Be gentle with yourself when challenges arise. Progress in dance is never a straight line; it is a series of twists, turns, leaps, and resets. Treasure these first few weeks of the season. Breathe in the crisp autumn air, step onto the dance floor with confidence, and let this be your most rewarding year yet.

Chris Suchan 
Executive Director
Platinum National Dance Competition
Instagram: @suchanchris, @danceplatinumco 
TikTok: @danceplatinumco0
Podcast: The Great Dance Debate