As we shift into the holiday season, things can get extremely hectic. Many studios and dancers are involved in Nutcracker or other holiday performances. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all; but it is also a good time to take a moment and reflect on the year drawing to an end. I encourage my students to do the same. Not only does it make them realize how far they have progressed but also helps them to be grateful for any and all accomplishments. I suggest to my dancers that they make two lists, one that shows all the good things that have happened during the year and then one that shows what they would like to accomplish in the New Year. Writing things down always seems to be a good idea. It seems to solidify to a person where they are in their life. I do not confine these lists just to dance but to each person’s personal life too. These lists are as confidential as each individual wants them to be, if they want to share their thoughts they are welcome to do so but there is no requirement for anyone. I also do not limit these lists to my students, I make them too! I have found that it really helps me. From time to time when we are feeling pressured and overwhelmed by all that is going on around us, it is sometimes helpful to look at these lists and feel good about your passage in life.
Once we have dealt with ourselves, it is time to look outside and see who in the community could possibly use our help and how we, as dancers and dance teachers can reach out to people less fortunate than ourselves. I ask each student to do some research and to find one group or organization that they feel would benefit from our assistance. There are so many different avenues where help can be given. For example, each year we have huge amounts of articles of clothing left at our studio completely unclaimed for months at a time. These clothes include winter jackets (some of them almost brand new!) pants, sweaters, blouses and all kinds of dancewear that is just left in our changing room. All of that clothing can be washed and given to someone who would really appreciate them.
Costumes are another wonderful item that can bring magic to some child’s life, we like to gather as many of them as possible and give them to groups of underprivileged children who love to dance. Sometimes these groups can be found through churches or other religious organizations or community centers where operating money is scarce.
One thing that sets us apart as dancers is the ability to bring joy to an audience through our performances. What better time than the holiday season to be able to reach out to a group of people who, for whatever the reason, may have difficulty in their lives. The possibilities are out there. Children and adults who are in hospitals, seniors in assisted living housing or senior centers, holiday celebrations in your area and for the veterans in hospitals who have paid such a high price for going to distant countries to protect us and what we hold dear.
The giving and receiving of gifts during the holiday season is always exciting and fun. How much satisfaction do we get when someone opens a present that we have carefully chosen for them and instantly loves it? and When you can give the gift of performance and for that brief moment transport someone out of their pain or misery into the magical world of dance - what a great feeling that is. That truly is a gift worth giving and receiving.
I know you may be thinking, 'I don’t have time for that!!' and it is possible that you may be so involved in your own rehearsals that the thought of doing anything else is daunting to say the least. However, if you get your dancers involved, a lot of the organizing and practical realization can be shared with them. They then feel ownership of the project and to the teachers and studio. So often a student is amazed not only by the organization that has to go into any of these projects but also by how thrilled the recipients are. It demonstrates to our students how important it is to use our talents in unselfish and productive ways and is a wonderful way to help our communities enjoy and celebrate the holiday season.
