How to maintain motivation in a young dancer?

My daughter - who was six last week - has been dancing for 9 months now. She took to dancing straight away and for the first 6 months every week she learnt a new step. The pace of learning has slowed recently as she has most of her dances sorted - including an advanced reel - and her motivation to practice has dipped. How do you keep them motivated after the initial rush of learning new steps?

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Permalink Reply by Sophia Schoch on February 5, 2012 at 2:34am

Put her in competition. When my students get bored with their steps I teach them something new. Hacing something new to master always keeps them motivated. Competition gives them something to work towards as well.

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Permalink Reply by Biljana on February 5, 2012 at 8:54am

As Sophia already said - competitions could highly motivate her.

But performances are also good motivation. The kids that I teach always work harder when they now they have a performance soon. I make them a new routine (they love routines and everything where they have to run around ;) ) or teach some new steps and motivation rises :) They love preparing a routine, dressing up and, what's most important, showing what they know. If the school where she dances doesn't organize a performance soon, you can organize a small family performance yourself. Invite your friends and family, and let her make a show.

Friends can also be great motivation. If she makes friends with some girls from her dance class, she'll be highly motivated to continue dancing.