#gettoclass

Welcome to Meet Me At The Barre!

As a working performer, it is essential to continue training in all fields. That means constantly and consistently taking dance class. The entertainment industry is forever changing, and we learn the skills needed to adapt through our training.

There will always be an excuse for you not to train like being too busy or not having enough money etc but if it’s important, you will make it work. The truth is, often times, our training is not a priority when it should be.

How do you move your training to the top of your do to list, instead of the bottom? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way:

WRITE IT IN YOUR AGENDA

If you write the classes you want to take into your schedule as though they are an appointment, you’re more likely to stick to it. Look at your calendar week by week and write your classes down. Create a weekly routine and, eventually, you won’t even think about it!

My weekly schedule looks a little like this:

M: Jazz 7:30-9PM

T: Ballet 7:30-9PM

TH: Ballet 6:30-8PM

F: Ballet 10:45AM-12:15PM & Theatre Jazz 12:30-2PM

S: Broadway Jazz 12:30-2PM

I take enough classes to ensure I am keeping up with my training and I allow myself two days off!

START SLOW

In this case, slow and steady really does win the race. If you take 6 classes in one week after a long rest period then you’re likely to burn out. Start with a class or two a week, and build up from there.

GRAB A FRIEND

This is my favourite! Every time I’m going to class, I reach out to my friends. Often times, my friends want to go to class but not alone. Besides, dancing with friends is more fun! I also post which classes I’m taking on my Instagram story. It seems silly, but I have gotten a lot of responses from friends saying that I motivated  them to go to class and it was because of me they signed up. Post something on your Instagram and tag your friends! Plus, if you put it on the internet, you have to do it ;).

Tag us on Instagram (@_meetmeatthebarre_) next time you’re heading to class so we can see you in action!

BUY CLASS PASSES

Dance classes are not cheap, I am the first to admit that. There are, however, ways to not spend a fortune. Class passes are a great way to save money. The initial payment is a lump sum but after that, it’s a breeze! Save up a little every paycheque and get a class pass. It’s so much better than tearing your couch apart in the search for change.

STAY CLOSE TO HOME

We all love staying close to home. This is a huge factor in where I personally take class so try going to a studio that is close to you. I train at a studio called Metro Movement in Toronto that’s close enough to both my work and home! If your classes aren’t far away, they’ll be easier to get to and you won’t have to deal with a long commute. Bonus points if the studio is in walking distance of your house!

Each of these tips helped me when I wasn’t training enough, but every person is different! Find the ways that work best for you.

What’s important is that you’re in the studio every week, honing your craft. Don’t just take a dance class when an audition is around the corner because I guarantee you still won’t be ready. In the wise words of Sarah Matton, you don’t have to get ready if you stay ready. Become the best version of yourself and GET TO DANCING!

How do you stick to your training? Let us know in the comments below!

Thanks for joining me this week and see you next time!