The Art of Filling Back Up | Terrill Mitchell of Dupree Dance

As I transition into summer each year, I’ve realized how much my relationship with this season has evolved.

When I was a younger training dancer, summer meant one thing: more training. More classes. More technique. More hours in the studio trying to become stronger, more versatile, more competitive. I looked at summer as an opportunity to gain an edge. While other people were relaxing, I wanted to be working. And honestly, I’m grateful for that version of myself because that hunger and discipline helped shape the foundation of who I am today.

But now, entering a different chapter of life and career, summer feels different for me in the best way.

Of course, choreography season begins in the summer, which means my creative schedule actually becomes incredibly busy. There are intensives to direct, dancers to mentor, concepts to create, rehearsals to clean, music to edit, schedules to build, and so much more happening behind the scenes. Creativity is constantly flowing during this time of year.

But somewhere along the way, I realized something important:
if I spend all of my energy pouring into everyone else without refueling myself, eventually the tank runs dry.

So now, I intentionally use summer as a season of recovery, reconnection, and personal creativity.

I pour back into the parts of myself that often get pushed aside during the fast pace of the season. I craft. I garden. I reorganize spaces in my home. I cook more. I spend time outside. I focus on body maintenance and recovery in a way I honestly neglected when I was younger. Stretching, rest, massages, chiropractic work, walking, hydration, sleep, quiet moments. Things that once felt “unproductive” now feel necessary.

Recovery, if you will.

And truthfully, I’ve learned that recovery isn’t laziness. It’s preparation.

I think as dancers and creatives, we sometimes glorify burnout without realizing it. We wear exhaustion like a badge of honor because we think constantly moving means we’re succeeding. But I’ve learned that constantly emptying yourself without replenishing your spirit eventually impacts your artistry too.

The older I get, the more I understand that creativity needs space to breathe.

Some of my best ideas don’t come from forcing them in a studio for ten hours straight. They come while watering plants. Driving with music on. Sitting in silence. Laughing with friends. Watching the sunset. Living life outside of dance for a moment.

That balance has become incredibly important to me.

Summer has become my reminder that I’m allowed to be selfish sometimes. Not selfish in a negative way, but intentional. Intentional about protecting my peace. Intentional about listening to my body. Intentional about creating routines that fuel my soul instead of simply draining my energy.

I think that’s something many dancers struggle with, especially younger dancers. There’s this fear that slowing down means falling behind. But I’ve learned that rest can actually sharpen you. Recovery can strengthen you. Taking care of yourself mentally and physically can make you a better artist, teacher, choreographer, leader, and human.

And honestly, I want the dancers I mentor to understand that now instead of learning it the hard way later.

Yes, train hard.
Yes, stay disciplined.
Yes, continue growing.

But also:
Go live.
Go explore.
Take care of your body.
Find hobbies outside of dance.
Spend time with people you love.
Learn yourself outside of achievement.

Because at the end of the day, artistry is deeply connected to life experience. The fuller your life becomes, the more depth your movement carries.

So this summer, while I’m creating, teaching, directing, and moving through another exciting season, I’m also giving myself permission to slow down when needed. To recover. To create outside of dance. To pour back into me.

And honestly... That version of growth feels just as important as anything I ever learned in a studio.

Terrill Mitchell

Administrative Director

Dupree Dance